Last week our enterprising heroes purloined an important document from the chambers of Justice William Rehnquist at the United States Supreme Court. In 1976! What could it all be about?!?
Safely aboard their starship, the away team step off the transporter platform. Chief Engineer Scott booms a welcome and a petty officer shepherds the senior officers to the Captain’s mess for a late meal. Sulu and Chekhov make for the turbo lift and, ultimately, the crew mess. The corridors and bulkheads of the U.S.S. Enterprise bear the scars of the long voyage to defeat Khan, find Spock, and to save the whales.
“I just do not understand the importance of this document,” Chekhov complains, brushing from his smock and trousers the dust of a million ancient tomes held by the Court’s library.
“It’s not just any document,” chides Sulu, diving into an as yet in media res exposition.
“It’s one of the most important Court decisions in United States and Federation history. In this decision, the Supreme Court began to articulate the “clear statement” rule—meaning that Congressional abrogation of States’ sovereign immunity requires a clear statement of Congressional intent. But don’t you see?!? If the Court applies this holding to the general civil rights statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, it just wouldn’t make sense. How could Congress know in 1871 what the Court would decide in 1976?”.
“Laws come and laws go, just as commissars. Why all of this fuss?” Chekhov chortles.
“American law has to be consistent, Pav. It’s just one of our most important beliefs. Without it, well, we’d be no different than the Soviets.”
“Ah . . . And that is why we must deliver this document in the summer?”
“Sumner.” Sulu emphasizes. “To Charles Sumner. Senator at that! One of the greatest in American history. If anyone can ensure Congress will understand the point of this decision, Sumner is it.”
The pair laugh loudly, entering the mess to the cheers and greetings of the crew.
Tune in next week as Spock explains the mission to the away team…