Obama just placed Sonia Sotomayor's name in nomination for the Supreme Court of the United States. Will she be confirmed by the Senate? Judge Sotomayor has impeccable educational credentials, practice as an assistant prosecutor and associate in a corporate firm, long experience on the federal District Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and a compelling personal story of rise from poverty. At this moment the only reason to oppose her confirmation would be if you disagree with how she is likely to interpret the broad phrases of the Constitution - which I believe to be a legitimate reason to oppose a judicial candidate, but which is unlikely to succeed unless the candidate's views are so extreme as to place her outside the mainstream of American legal traditions. In short, whether conservative or liberal, a capable candidate is likely to be confirmed so long as he or she is not considered to be radical.
In future posts I will review some of Judge Sotomayor's past decisions and attempt to summarize her judicial philosophy. Also, in about two hours the California Supreme Court will announce its decision in the Prop 8 case. So there will be lots to discuss and debate in the coming days!
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Awesome! Another token politician in Washington!
I don't think there is much doubt that she will be confirmed, relatively quickly.
If I may be so bold, I would ask that you emphasize the occasions that she was overturned by the Supreme Court. And then maybe discuss the question – Was Judge Sotomayor sent to change the court?
@ Carl
You would prefer yet another white man, perhaps?
Thanks Professor Huhn, looking forward to the review and summary. What about the "courts making policy" comment, which I assume will be mentioned at the confirmation hearings?
Would a white man be wrong, Jill?