The United States Supreme Court has been an active focus of

politicians, news media, and concerned citizens in recent

months. The scrutiny of the Supreme Court Justices erupted when

Chief Justice Sandra Day O'Connor retired from her position on

the Supreme Court. Debate about who should replace her on the

Supreme Court filled daily talk shows, political arenas, and

dinner tables. President George W. Bush nominated John G.

Roberts and the process of his confirmation is in the works.

Recently another Supreme Court position opened as Chief Justice

William H. Rehnquist passed away. President George W. Bush will

need to appoint another candidate for confirmation. Therefore,

the composition of the Supreme Court Justices will be an intense

topic of debate for many months to come. Why not become an

informed citizen and improve your knowledge about the United

States Supreme Court?

Perhaps you already listen to news talk radio in your car on the

way to work. Try popping in an audio book instead. Go head to

head with the news talk radio hosts when you learn more about

the political system. For instance, let's say you are interested

in learning more about soon-to-be retired justice Sandra Day

O'Connor. Try checking out her audio title "The Majesty of the

Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice". This title will

help to give you greater insight into this remarkable lady.

To acquire a more thorough background on the United States

Supreme Court there are a couple of courses that you'll likely

enjoy listening to. The Teaching Company has a great course

called "The History of the Supreme Court" by Peter Irons. A

similar title from the Barnes & Noble Portable Professor series

is "Shaping Justice". These courses cover some of the landmark

cases in our Supreme Court's history and allow you to hear more

details of controversial rulings like abortion and free speech.

Do you watch "Meet the Press" with host Tim Russert? In April of

2005 he had the opportunity to interview Chief Justices Stephen

Breyer, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Antonin Scalia and the audio

version is available here. Hear their thoughts and experiences

as Supreme Court Justices and how the interpretation of the

Constitution is integral to their roles.

And there are even a couple of Supreme Court-related podcasts

you can try listening to. Check out "The Oyez Supreme Court

Podcast" by Jerry Goldman. This is a bi-weekly discussion of

Supreme Court cases from the past and present and insight into

future Supreme Court cases is included. Another podcast to try

is Evan Schaeffer's "Legal Underground Podcast". It's not

entirely devoted to the Supreme Court but there are some very

relevant episodes. These are great supplements to the audio

books listed earlier and to news talk radio.

Plunge into the debate by understanding the Supreme Court as

well as the Chief Justice nomination process. It's an incredibly

important part of our political process and now, thanks to these

audio programs, is easier to learn about than ever before.