President Obama is standing by his decision to nominate a Supreme Court justice that would fill in the vacancy created by the demise of Justice Antonin Scalia. He picked appeals court judge Merrick B. Garland, who is a seasoned legal expert and has earned the admiration of some politicians, Democrats or Republicans, throughout the course of his career.

"I've selected a nominee who is widely recognized not only as one of America's sharpest legal minds, but someone who brings to his work a spirit of decency, modesty, integrity, even-handedness and excellence," the president said. "These qualities, and his long commitment to public service, have earned him the respect and admiration of leaders from both sides of the aisle."

But, it seems like the GOP is also bent on their stand not to consider the nomination. The Republicans have reiterated that they are not in favor of a Supreme Court nomination until after the November elections when the next president can make his own endorsement.

"The American people may well elect a president who decides to nominate Judge Garland for Senate consideration," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "The next president may also nominate someone very different. Either way, our view is this: Give the people a voice in the filling of this vacancy."

His Credentials

Prior to his nomination, Garland was the chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. He has been a part of the Justice Department early in his career and rose to the Chief Judge position in 2013. He was first nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals by former President Bill Clinton in 1995 and was confirmed in 1997. He is a Harvard College alumnus where he graduated summa cum laude in 1974.

Had Republican Backing in the Past

Back in 1997, Garland's confirmation for his appeals court position was made by the Senate with a 76-23 vote, 32 of the affirmatives coming from the GOP side. Some of the Republican senators lauded him in the past as one of the best options available.

During the Senate debate at that time, Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch praised Garland for his "intelligence and his scholarship," as well as his "impressive" legal experience.

Personal Life

Garland is Jewish and will be joining three others in the court that is mostly Roman Catholic. He has been married to Lynn Rosenman Garland for almost three decades and the couple has two daughters, Rebecca and Jessica. Lynn's grandfather was a New York State Supreme Court justice.

Highlight of Career

He was in charge of the Oklahoma City bombing case in 1995, which was considered the most fatal terrorist attack in the country at the time.

Supreme Court Nomination

The recent nomination of Garland was preceded by the first one back in 2010. President Obama was looking for a replacement for the retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, but it was Justice Elena Kagan whom he chose.

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