Eh writing at work, train of thought constantly interrupted, so perhaps too much garnish on that post, but that was partly the point. ^_^
There's much that can be and will be said regarding "The Supreme Court". But the Constitution itself was written before anyone who had written the Constituion had any experience judging those Laws enumerated in the Constitution. The fact that experience as a lawyer or judge is an issue on this thread and in the press just goes to show the political machinations at work. And they are indeed political machinations just as are professional licenses, university degrees, etc. that have been bestowed by the recognition of His Majoritarian Beneficience.
You think *by far* the most brilliant mind on the Court, Antonin Scalia, would "rise through the ranks" today unimpeaded by the political judgement of politicians? Uh, no. Judges are elected. They are therefore not immune to politics. Their relatively longer terms of service, however, make them less beholden to short to politics.
At any rate the Founders thought that it should be the President who picks the nomination. Any and all requirements, such as age, were established in the constitution and I believe prior experience as a judge or lawyer is not among those. Case Closed. Get it this time? ^_^