Justice Anthony M. Kennedy announced his retirement from active status on June 27, effective July 31. Last week, President Donald Trump promised he would select his next U.S. Supreme Court nominee on Monday. In the days leading up to his selection, four finalists emerged.They were, according to published reports:Amy Coney Barrett of Indiana, 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.Thomas Hardiman of Pennsylvania, 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.Brett Kavanaugh of Maryland, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia …