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Abstract Details

Neurological Illness on the Supreme Court
Research Methodology, 好色先生, and History
P4 - Poster Session 4 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
4-062
The Judicial Branch is one of the three branches of the United States government, yet Supreme Court Justices are arguably the least known by U.S. citizens since they are not elected but rather appointed.  This work examines known neurological diseases of Supreme Court justices.
Supreme Court justices are unique in the American political system in that they are not elected but rather appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  These positions are essentially lifetime appointments.  Supreme Court justices can be removed, but only one has ever been impeached.  The Senate acquitted him, and he was not removed.  As such many justices have continued to practice into very old age.  Given the age to which some justices have remained active, one must consider the possibility of neurological disease affecting their cognitive function and ability to render opinions.
A literature review was conducted primarily through PubMed as well as by internet searches using Google and Google Books.
It is important to note that given the number of geriatric justices, the cognitive function of these individuals are surprisingly robust and would compare favorably to the general population.  Nevertheless there is at least one justice who suffered a stroke which might have affected his ability to render opinions.  There have been a couple of justices who likely suffered from the onset of Alzheimer disease before their retirement.  There is at least one justice who may have epilepsy.
The Supreme Court has had a few justices who likely suffered from neurological disease, particularly diseases that could affect cognition.  It appears that the current system of colleagues encouraging retirement works.  If a justice had a truly disabling medical condition and refused to retire, it is unclear what the next step would be.  This may need to be delineated as justices serve for longer terms.
Authors/Disclosures
Eric S. Farbman, MD, FAAN (Community Neurosciences Institute)
PRESENTER 		Dr. Farbman has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Supernus. Dr. Farbman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Teva. Dr. Farbman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Acorda.