U.S. Supreme Court justices are noted for making decisions at their own pace. And there is something to be said for making the law, the Constitution and traditional practices a guide in dealing with important cases, rather than bowing to political, social or economic pressure.
But the Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether the new national health care law is constitutional - and time is of the essence for the American people in learning whether it will be struck down or let stand.
It has been pointed out that if the court proceeds according to its normal schedules, a decision on the matter can be expected sometime around July 2012 - as the presidential election campaign is heating up. A ruling then would affect whether President Barack Obama is re-elected or replaced.
That should not concern high court justices. Again, the sooner they can hear arguments, deliberate the issues and make a ruling, the better. This is a case in which the court should expedite a decision.
