Challenges Faced by Merrick Garland: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Merrick Garland faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Merrick Garland is an American lawyer and jurist. He served as the 86th United States Attorney General from 2021 to 2025. Prior to this role, he was a circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from 1997 to 2021. Notably, in 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Garland to the Supreme Court, but the Senate declined to hold a confirmation vote on his nomination.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1916: Historical Context of Nomination Delays

After a period of 293 days, Garland's nomination expired on January 3, 2017. It was the longest pending period of a Supreme Court nominee in history, exceeding the 125-day delay faced by Justice Louis Brandeis in 1916.

2004: United States ex rel. Totten v. Bombardier Corp.

In 2004, Garland dissented in United States ex rel. Totten v. Bombardier Corp., disagreeing with Judge John Roberts's narrow interpretation of the False Claims Act regarding false claims submitted to Amtrak.

2005: Confirmation Hearing Questioning

During confirmation hearings in 2005, Senator Chuck Grassley questioned John Roberts on why he had not adopted Garland's reading in a prior case.

February 13, 2016: Antonin Scalia's Death and Nomination Controversy

On February 13, 2016, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died, leading Senate Republicans to declare they would not consider any nominee put forth by President Obama, sparking a nomination controversy.

March 2016: Nomination to the Supreme Court

In March 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court following Antonin Scalia's death, but the Republican Senate majority refused to hold a hearing or vote on his nomination.

August 2016: McConnell's Boast

In August 2016, McConnell boasted about stopping Garland's Supreme Court nomination.

January 3, 2017: Nomination Expiration

On January 3, 2017, Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court expired at the end of the 114th Congress, after lasting 293 days without a Senate hearing or vote.

April 2018: McConnell's Reflection

In April 2018, McConnell called the decision not to act upon the Garland nomination "the most consequential decision I've made in my entire public career".

April 2021: Russian Sanctions

In April 2021, Russia imposed sanctions against Garland, including prohibiting him from entering Russia, in retaliation for U.S. actions.

November 2021: DOJ sues Texas over Senate Bill 1

In November 2021, the DOJ sued Texas over Senate Bill 1 which required rejection of mail ballots "for immaterial errors and omissions," alleging it would restrict voting for those with limited English proficiency, soldiers deployed and voters overseas.

June 12, 2024: Garland held in contempt by House of Representatives

On June 12, 2024, Garland was held in contempt by the House of Representatives for defying subpoenas and refusing to disclose audio of Hur's interview with Biden. This action was a result of Biden's invocation of executive privilege.

July 11, 2024: House attempt to find Garland in "inherent contempt" falls short

On July 11, 2024, an attempt by the House of Representatives to find United States attorney general Garland in "inherent contempt" of Congress fell short in a 204 to 210 vote. The resolution sought to impose a fine of $10,000 per day on Garland for defying a congressional subpoena.

November 2024: Criticism over pace of Trump prosecution

Garland faced criticism regarding the pace of the prosecution of Donald Trump. Some observers believe the indictments obtained by Jack Smith were unlikely to go to trial before the November 2024 election.

November 2024: Potential Trial Delay

In November 2024, observers believed that indictments obtained by special counsel Jack Smith were not likely to go to trial, which some assigned as partial responsibility to Merrick Garland.