Nickatilynx
07-20-2005, 11:41 AM
Bush judge comes under spotlight
Bush says Roberts has one of the finest legal minds of his generation
Senior Democrats have vowed rigorous scrutiny of John Roberts, US President George Bush's nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Republicans welcomed the nomination of Mr Roberts, a man President Bush said had "superb credentials" for the post.
The top Democrat in the Senate, Harry Reid, acknowledged Mr Roberts' "suitable" legal background, but said he required more scrutiny.
Others said the nomination of a staunch conservative was "disappointing".
The judge "may have impressive legal credentials, but also has sharp partisan credentials that cannot be ignored", Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean said.
He said Mr Bush had squandered "the chance to bring the country together".
Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, said: "There are serious questions that must be answered involving Judge Roberts' judicial philosophy as demonstrated over his short time on the appellate court."
Volatile issues
Mr Roberts, 50, was appointed to the appeals court two years ago, and has given few clues to his likely stance on divisive issues that may come before the Supreme Court.
Democrats said they would use his confirmation hearings in the Senate to probe his views on subjects like abortion.
The nine-seat Supreme Court is one of the most important institutions in the US, ruling on politically and socially volatile issues.
HAVE YOUR SAY
In today's trouble times we need good moral guidance coupled with common sense
Paul Collier, London, UK
Send us your comments
Profile: John Roberts
If confirmed, Mr Roberts will be the first new judge to join the Supreme Court for 11 years, and could help shape its decisions for decades.
The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Sandra Day O'Connor earlier this month.
Justices are named for life, and experts say Mr Bush's nomination gives him the chance to extend his conservative agenda well past the end of his presidency.
Liberals say Mr Roberts has demonstrated a firm right-wing slant in the past, arguing against abortion and environmental issues, and for allowing prayers in schools.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday with Mr Roberts by his side, Mr Bush said the judge possessed "one of the best legal minds of his generation".
He said Mr Roberts had a profound respect for the rule of law and would not "legislate from the bench".
Senator Orrin Hatch typified the enthusiastic response of many Republicans, calling Mr Roberts "a brilliant constitutional lawyer with unquestioned integrity".
Bush says Roberts has one of the finest legal minds of his generation
Senior Democrats have vowed rigorous scrutiny of John Roberts, US President George Bush's nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Republicans welcomed the nomination of Mr Roberts, a man President Bush said had "superb credentials" for the post.
The top Democrat in the Senate, Harry Reid, acknowledged Mr Roberts' "suitable" legal background, but said he required more scrutiny.
Others said the nomination of a staunch conservative was "disappointing".
The judge "may have impressive legal credentials, but also has sharp partisan credentials that cannot be ignored", Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean said.
He said Mr Bush had squandered "the chance to bring the country together".
Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, said: "There are serious questions that must be answered involving Judge Roberts' judicial philosophy as demonstrated over his short time on the appellate court."
Volatile issues
Mr Roberts, 50, was appointed to the appeals court two years ago, and has given few clues to his likely stance on divisive issues that may come before the Supreme Court.
Democrats said they would use his confirmation hearings in the Senate to probe his views on subjects like abortion.
The nine-seat Supreme Court is one of the most important institutions in the US, ruling on politically and socially volatile issues.
HAVE YOUR SAY
In today's trouble times we need good moral guidance coupled with common sense
Paul Collier, London, UK
Send us your comments
Profile: John Roberts
If confirmed, Mr Roberts will be the first new judge to join the Supreme Court for 11 years, and could help shape its decisions for decades.
The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Sandra Day O'Connor earlier this month.
Justices are named for life, and experts say Mr Bush's nomination gives him the chance to extend his conservative agenda well past the end of his presidency.
Liberals say Mr Roberts has demonstrated a firm right-wing slant in the past, arguing against abortion and environmental issues, and for allowing prayers in schools.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday with Mr Roberts by his side, Mr Bush said the judge possessed "one of the best legal minds of his generation".
He said Mr Roberts had a profound respect for the rule of law and would not "legislate from the bench".
Senator Orrin Hatch typified the enthusiastic response of many Republicans, calling Mr Roberts "a brilliant constitutional lawyer with unquestioned integrity".