Hillary Clinton on Supreme Court Justices

Summary

As a Senator, Hillary Clinton opposed the nominations of both Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts. In a press statement noting her opposition to the nomination, Senator Clinton stated that the appointment of Chief Justice Roberts would put in danger the civil rights, voting rights and women's rights that the country had achieved. In supporting a filibuster against Justice Alito, Senator Clinton stated that Justice Alito would not advance the principles that Americans hold most dear. She stated that he would be willing to play fast and loose with the rules.

During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Senator Clinton stated that if elected, she would pursue Supreme Court Justices that respected precedence, felt what life was like for normal Americans, and had a career path outside of school and a conservative think tank.

Chief Justice Roberts

In September of 2005, Senator Clinton released a press statement noting her intention to vote against the nomination of John Roberts to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

I have an obligation to my constituents to make sure that I cast my vote for Chief Justice of the United States for someone I am convinced will be steadfast in protecting fundamental women's rights, civil rights, privacy rights, and who will respect the appropriate separation of powers among the three branches. After the Judiciary Hearings, I believe the record on these matters has been left unclear. That uncertainly means as a matter of conscience, I cannot vote to confirm despite Judge Roberts's long history of public service.
. . . [B]ecause I think [Roberts] is far more likely to vote the views he expressed in his legal writings, I cannot give my consent to his confirmation and will, therefore, vote against his confirmation. My desire to maintain the already fragile Supreme Court majority for civil rights, voting rights and women's rights outweigh the respect I have for Judge Robertss' intellect, character, and legal skills.

Justice Samuel Alito

In January of 2006, Senator Clinton released a statement on her website noting that she intended to join a filibuster of the nomination of Justice Samuel Alito.

Because I do not think Judge Alito would advance the principles Americans hold most dear, I oppose his nomination and support efforts to block his confirmation. ... History will show that Judge Alito’s nomination is the tipping point against constitutionally-based freedoms and protections we cherish as individuals and as a nation. He would roll back decades of progress, and roll over when confronted with an administration too willing to play fast and loose with the rules.

Des Moines Register Interview

In December of 2007, Senator Clinton was interviewed by the Des Moines Register and spoke about her positions on Supreme Court Justices. She states that she would look for someone whose career path was not school and politics, and that felt what life was really like for Americans. She also stated that she was looking for someone who respected precedence.

Voting Record

Confirmation of Justice Samuel Alito

In January of 2006, the senate voted to confirm Justice Samuel Alito. Hillary Clinton voted against confirming Justice Samuel Alito.

Motion to End Debate on Samuel Alito

In 2006, a vote was taken for cloture on the nomination of Justice Samuel Alito. The filibuster of Justice Alito failed to get the votes needed. Hillary Clinton voted against ending debate and in favor of the filibuster.

Confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts

In September of 2005, the Senate voted to confirm John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States. Hillary Clinton voted against the confirmation of John Roberts to the Supreme Court.

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

This representative has not been identified as sponsoring or cosponsoring significant legislation related to this title.

References

[1] Website: Newsmax.com Article: Hillary Clinton Backs Alito Filibuster Author: NA Accessed on: 01/23/2011

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