/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f831df836135bfe82f414ae/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=4000&cropY1=202&cropY2=2452&w=1200&resize=1200,675&ssl=1 "Amy Coney Barrett Says She Will Be An Impartial Justice In Opening Remarks")
Topline
Facing scrutiny over recent revelations about ties to a strict religious group and strong personal opinions on Roe v. Wade, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court, will defend herself as an impartial interpreter of the law in opening remarks to the Senate on Monday.
Seventh U.S. Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the U.S. … [+]
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Key Facts
A copy of Barrett’s opening statement, which will be presented at Monday’s Senate judiciary Committee Hearing amid a whirlwind push from Republicans for speedy confirmation before the election, was published Sunday morning.
In the remarks, Barrett, a conservative Christian, addresses mounting concern about her ability to judge independently of her personal beliefs, called into question after a series of reports revealed she had not disclosed certain information to the Senate.
Referencing her short tenure as a judge on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Barrett said: “In every case, I have carefully considered the arguments presented by the parties, discussed the issues with my colleagues on the court, and done my utmost to reach the result required by the law, whatever my own preferences may be.”
Barrett also said that when she writes an opinion, she asks herself how she would view the decision if one of her children was the party she was ruling against, and re-emphasized the influence of Justice Antonin Scalia on her approach.
“His judicial philosophy was straightforward: A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were,” wrote Barrett.
Crucial Quote
“The policy decisions and value judgements of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People,” wrote Barrett in her remarks. “The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try.”
Key Background
In 2006, Barrett signed a newspaper advertisement calling for an end to “the barbaric legacy of Roe v. Wade,” information not disclosed to the Senate ahead of her confirmation hearing, inspiring debate over whether Barrett’s appointment would lead to the upending of the crucial reproductive rights legislation. Additionally, also not previously stated by Barrett, The Washington Post revealed that Barrett was a high-ranking member, known as a “handmaid,” of a close-knit religious community in South Bend, Indiana, criticized by former members for subjugating women.
Chief Critics
Republicans have repeatedly defended Barrett’s integrity and credentials as a scholar, characterizing questions over these revelations as a personal interest-driven attempt by Democrats to stop the seat from being filled. “I just hope it doesn’t go down the road it went last time, I hope we don’t see Senate Democrats turning it into a political circus like they did with Justice [Brett] Kavanaugh,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) on Sunday.
What To Watch For
After delivering the opening remarks on Monday, Barrett will be questioned by senators as part of a hearing process lasting through Thursday.
Further Reading
“What Does It Mean That Amy Coney Barrett Served As A ‘Handmaid’ In A Religious Group?” (Forbes)
“Barrett tied to faith group ex-members say subjugates women” (The Associated Press)
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