George, Chin targeted for '98

Within days of last month's Supreme Court decision striking down a 1987 law requiring parental consent for minors seeking an abortion, anti-abortion groups announced they will target Chief Justice Ronald George and Justice Ming Chin in the November 1998 election.

Prior to the decision, George said it is easy for him to disregard such pressures.

"I don't think the position (of chief justice) would be worth having if you had to look over your shoulder every time you made a decision, worrying about the political fallout from it," George said. "If that day ever comes to a judge, he or she should hang up the robe.

"You have to do your best to apply the law and not worry about what the reaction is going to be among politicians or particular groups who may have strong feelings. I insist on performing my function without regard to those pressures."

The court voted 4-3 that the never-enforced parental consent law was an invasion of privacy. George wrote the majority opinion and was joined by Chin. Both justices face a retention election next year.