What happens to this Term's close cases?  (Updated)  —  The passing of Justice Scalia of course affects the cases now before the Court.  Votes that the Justice cast in cases that have not been publicly decided are void.  Of course, if Justice Scalia's vote was not necessary to the outcome …

Is a recess appointment to the Court an option?  (UPDATED)  —  UPDATED Sunday 8:48 a.m. The Senate is currently in recess until February 22.  It began on Friday.  Whether or not this opens an opportunity for a recess appointment depends upon how Senate leaders interpret an adjournment resolution approved last Friday.

Justice Antonin Scalia's Supreme Court Legacy  —  Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Saturday at the age of 79, served on the Supreme Court for 30 years and made as big a mark on the court and on American law and politics as some of the chief justices under whom he served.

There's Ample Precedent For Rejecting Lame Duck Supreme Court Nominees  —  Historically, many Supreme Court nominations made in a President's final year in office are rejected by the Senate.  That started with John Quincy Adams and last occurred to Lyndon B. Johnson.

McConnell: Don't replace Scalia until after election  —  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia should not be replaced until after the presidential election.  —  Since McConnell sets the Senate's schedule, his remarks signal the GOP's intent …

Judiciary chair: ‘Standard practice’ to not confirm SCOTUS nominee in election year  —  It is “standard practice” to not confirm nominations to the Supreme Court in an election year, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said Saturday, following news of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The Simply Breathtaking Consequences Of Justice Scalia's Death  —  Twenty-four hours ago, Republicans were headed into what remains of the current Supreme Court term with a solid majority and a docket strewn with some of the most consequential cases in decades.

Trump dominates talking time at Republican debate  —  With the Republican field down to six candidates and the race for South Carolina hanging in the balance, Republicans were desperate to call attention to their campaigns tonight in South Carolina.  —  Last time around, Ted Cruz …

Republican Debate Descends Into Total Chaos, Moderator Threatens To ‘Turn This Car Around’  —  During the second hour of the GOP debate in South Carolina on Saturday, the conversation went beyond anything ever seen in a Republican debate.  —  After the six men hurled insults back and forth …

Cruz starts speaking Spanish after Rubio says he doesn't know the language … Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio clashed vigorously on illegal immigration during the Republican presidential debate Saturday night, with the candidates at one point tussling over who speaks Spanish.

Exclusive — Donald Trump, Ted Cruz Campaigns Bash RNC for Stacking Audience with Pro-Amnesty Donor Class  —  GREENVILLE, South Carolina — Corey Lewandowski, the campaign manager for 2016 GOP frontrunner billionaire Donald Trump, bashed the Republican National Committee (RNC) …