General

“We apply laws to facts; we don’t apply feelings to facts.”

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor promises her background and experiences won’t affect her rulings

When questioned during the second day of hearings about whether she would be an “activist” judge, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor sought to make it clear to the judiciary panel that her past would not determine how she rules on cases. “We [judges] apply laws to facts; we don’t apply feelings to facts,” she said. Sotomayor was also asked if the famous Roe v. Wade case was “settled law.” “The court’s decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirmed the court holding of Roe,” she said, making reference to a 1992 ruling. “That is the precedent of the court and settled, in terms of the holding of the court.” Despite the feelings of some Republicans, Sotomayor is virtually guaranteed to be confirmed–Democrats have a 12-to-seven advantage on the panel and 60-to-40 majority in the Senate.

The New York Times

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