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Sotomayor: Roe v. Wade Is 'Settled Law'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2009 12:11 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Questioning is under way on Day 2 of Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, and there has already been much talk of New Haven firefighters and wise Latina women. Asked about that infamous quote early on, Sotomayor replied, “I want to state upfront, unequivocally… I do not believe that any racial or ethnic group has an advantage in sound judging.” She also argued that she was just following precedent in Ricci v. Destafano.

Jeff Sessions wasn't buying it, asking if Sotomayor believed in "real law," and bringing up quotes suggesting she believed her past sympathies influenced her rulings. Sotomayor insisted she strove to remain impartial. Asked about abortion, Sotomayor didn't quibble, saying Roe v. Wade was "settled law," as reaffirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey. On the Second Amendment, she said her ruling upholding New York's nunchakus control law was a narrow one, applying to the martial arts weapon.

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 29 comments
Shannonals
Jul 15, 2009 12:39 PM CDT
Jayster999 exactly how is she a product of affirmative action? Are you saying a woman, regardless of nationality, has to be a product of affirmative action. Wow, not only are you somewhat of a racist, your a sexist.
Shannonals
Jul 15, 2009 12:37 PM CDT
Ah, so you are a communist along with your husband! No need to answer back CoronaKingsHusband, your name alone reflects you don't have an opinion of your own.
Shannonals
Jul 15, 2009 12:35 PM CDT
Your a laugh a riot C/K, get your facts right, she was on the bench for 17 years, not 20. If you take any appointee and place them under the light I'm quite sure anyone could find fault in them, that's the process.

 
Jeff Sessions • Patrick Leahy • Senate confirmation hearings • confirmation hearings • US Supreme Court • Sonia Sotomayor • Ricci v. DeStefano

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