Confirmation Hearings Assignment
You are to watch the videos below and comment to the post with the following information.
1) Describe what you see in the videos
2) What questions are asked by Senators?
3) What responses are given by Sotomayor?
4) Why are these questions being asked and why are these answers being given? Please note, I am not looking for your personal views but rather logical analysis.
Day 1 of Questioning
Day 2 of Questioning
Final Day of Questioning
Legal Scholars Offer Their Opinions
In the videos senators and other congressmen asked Sotomayor many questions in regard to her beliefs and past statements made by her in her 17 year history. Some of the questions being asked are for her to elaborate on a 2001 remark about a latino woman, she denied having any racial prejudice. She gave the remark as trying to inspire those other people of different backgrounds. She gave this remark because she wants to show people that it was a misunderstanding and of course she doesnt want people to think she is prejudice becuase of her judge position.She says she now regrets that she has bothered and upsetted some people. Also her 2005 statement was asked about and what she really believes about a law or making them and about the court of appeals. She answers that judges dont make they just enforce. She also said that she may not agree with it.She was also asked about the firefighter case because she was on the court appealing their raise which got overturned. She was also asked about whether it is ok to allow prejudice in the court room at anytime due to another statement she said. Her result was never, which is not what she said in an earlier statement. She was also asked about her beliefs about the second amendent. she believes that its the individuals right and that its their right due to the second amendment.She refuses to go deeper into that subject. She was also asked about rowee vs wade.She believed it was subtle laws.Shes says you just need to look at her record to see that what she rules is just law. And if the constitution says anything about abortion. She beats around the bush but says it does not. She was told to be very tempermate and that shes out of control, nasty, attack lawyers, and can be a bully. She responds as that she asks tough questions. She also says that she doesnt render decisions to please the whole crowd. In the final day of questioning they asked the people shes worked with and people who have been afected by her views. She won many republicans praise.People are asking her these questions because things that she is saying now are somewhat contradictive to things she has said in the past.She denies this and says to just look at her 17 years history to see what she is about and her views instead of just one quotes out of it and drilling on that one quote.She is giving the answers she gives becasue she wants to win the likeness of people and wants to appeal to everyone and doesnt want to come on to strongly and turn people away or against her so her answers are very light and appropriate. She was praised for beng very safe and catious in her answers. In the end she hopes that people would say that she is a fair judge and that she lived her life serving her country.
ReplyDeleteIn these videos I see Sotomayor speaking but not fully explaining her actions rather talk about the situation, touching on her reason or excuses once in a while but only giving small details.The first question that Sotomayor was asked was "What's going on here judge?". Her response was "Thank you for giving me an oppurtunity to explain my remarks. No word I have ever spoken or written have recieved so much intention. As my sppech made clear in one of the quotes you made reference, I was trying to inspire them to believe that their life experiences would enrich the legal system, because different life experiences and background always do. I don't think that there is a quarrel with that in our society. I was also trying to inspire them to believe that they could become anything they wanted to becaome, just as I have. The context of the word that I spoke have created a misunderstanding and I want an misunderstanding and to give everyone assurances. I want to state upfront unequivocalbly and without doubt I do not believe that any ethnic, racial, or gender group has an advantage is sound judging. I do believe that every person has an equal oppurtunity to be a good and wise judge regardless of their background or life experiences." The second question posed of Sotomayor was "What do you really believe in those subjects?". Her response was "I believe my record of seventeen years demonstrates fully that I do believe that judges must apply the law and not make the law. Whether I've agreed with a party or not found them sympathetic or not, I've done what the law requires. With respect, to judges making policy, I assume, Senator that you were refering to a remark that I made in a duke law student dial-out, that remark in context made very cear that I wasn't talking about the policy reflected in the law that congress makes....". The third question was "Do you think there is any cirsumstance that a judge should allow their prejudices affect their decision?". Sotomayor stated "Never their prejudices. I was talkig abooutthe obligation of judges to examine what their feeling when they are judicating...". When asked a question about if it would be right for a child to be aborted ,if a disability had been discovered, Sotomayor answered "I cannot answer that question in the abstract...". Sotomayor was also asked a question on the topic of gun rights and how she would handle it in court. She received praise from a South Carolina senator for her answer. My logical analysis of these videos is simple. I believe that Sotomayor, in my opinion, is not able to do the job of a senator. She does not answer questions or back her opinions to my standard. As I previously stated she touched based on her reasons and on the abortion issue also but she did not make her opinion on those matters, or her reasons, clear.
ReplyDeleteIn the Videos I have seen the senators asking Sotomayor questions about her overall statements made in her 17 years in the Judicial System. A portion of the questions asked have been about her statement in 2001 that said "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often then not reach a better conclusion then that of a white male that has not lived that life." The senators asked her to elaborate on this and in response to it she denied having any racial prejudice. She made remarks about how she was trying to inspire those who have a different background and that it was a misunderstanding also trying to show she is not prejudice because of her position as a judge. She was also asked what she really beleives about the court of appeals or law in general in a statement she said in 200 She replies by saying she may not agree with it but the court does not make the law they just enforce it. She was also questioned on the topic of the firefighter case. Then she was asked if social prejudices should be allowed in the court room. She replied to this with never which is different then her previous statement. Then she was questioned on her belief in the second amendment. She replies by saying that it is an individuals right but refuses to delve into the subject any further. On the case of Rowee v. Wade, she says that it is just subtle law and to view what she regards as law all you have to do is look at her record. When asked if the constitution says anything about abortion, she very hesitantly says no. Then, a senator reads to her a report written by others around her that says she is mean, nasty, attacks lawyers, out of control, and can be quite a bully. The final day of questioning was spent asking the people that work with her and the people affected by her views. My logical analysis of these videos is one of not bias but of thought and reason. It is my opinion that Sotomayor is unable to be a senator or a judge. One reason for this is that she does not seem to know what she is going to say and just "makes it up as she goes." Another reason is that she does not support her statements with much. a final reason for my answer is that a lot of what she says contradicts what she says in the past, as if she is trying to save face in the eye of the public.
ReplyDeleteIn theses videos, senators are asking judge Sotomayor many questions about her beliefs and some statements that she has said in her past 17 years as a judge.The first question that was asked of her was,"What's going on here judge?" This question pertaining to her previous statement about wise latina women. She says in respose to this that "I was trying to inspire them to believe that thier life experiences would enrich the legal system because different life experiences and backgrounds always do. ... I do not believe that any ethinic, racial, or gender group has an advatage in sound judging." Judge Sotomayor was asked about her belief in the second amendment. She just said that it is the individual's right and that it is their right because of the second amendment. She refused to go any further on that matter. She was often asked about the case of Rowe v. Wade.She said that she believes that the core finding was suttle law. She was also asked that in the Constitution, is there anywhere that says anything about abortion. She says that there is nowhere in the actual document that talks about abortion.In the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary, anonamous lawyers say she does not have a very good tempermate, she behaves in an out of control manner, she is nasty to lawyers, and she is a bit of a bully. She responded to this by saying that she does ask tough questions in oral arguments. These questions are being asked because she has made some statements recently that have been contradicting to some of the statements that she has made in the past and they are trying to determine if Sotomayor would make a good Supreme Court justice or not. Sotomayor is giving the answers shes been giving because she wants to appeal to everyone and convince them that she will make a good Supreme Court justice.
ReplyDeleteIn the videos I see Judge Sotomayor being questioned by Senators concerning her potential appointment to the Supreme Court. The Senators are clarifying her opinions and beliefs by questioning previous statements she has made. In these scenes all it is, is questions by the Senators, answers by Sotomayor. Sotomayor was being questioned about her past seventeen years! Concerning the question about a previous statement from 2001, that seemed to show racial bias on her behalf, she responded that she was not racially bias. Sotomayor’s intent was to say that you can become anything you want to become through life experiences. Not that Hispanic or Latino women are better. The Senators also approached her on the temperate of her judging. Comments show that she was a nasty, unlawful, and mean judge and treated the lawyers unfairly. She says she admits to asking tough questions. These questions are being asked to clear misunderstandings, and clarify unclear answers. Also, these questions are being asked to see if she is a suitable judge for the Supreme Court. These answers are being given to help her appoint to the Supreme Court. She is trying to clear everything up for her Senators. Sotomayor, a Latino women judge, wins a lot of Republican praise. Senator Graham tells judge Sotomayor that she is a good judge and not an activist, which is a good thing in her case. In the end, all of her intentions are good. She was praised for being very safe and cautious in all of her answers.
ReplyDeleteSotomayor was asked many different questions during these videos, dealing with past quotes of hers or her views on certain topics. In each response, Sotomayor answers with confidence, although not every answer she gave was straightforward. the first question asked of Sotomayor dealt with her quote in a 2001 speech,"I would hope that a wise latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life." She was asked what she meant by this. Sotomayor's response was that she was trying to inspire these woman to believe that they're life experiences would help enrich the legal system, that some people's interpretation on this was a misunderstanding and that she doesn't want people to believe she is prejudice. Another quote brought forth for questioning was ,"The Court of Appeals is where policy is made." Again, she was asked what her meaning was in saying this and also on whether there is no law or if court makes the law. Sotomayor said that she believes court doesn't make the law and that it is Congress' job to make the policy. The quote she was asked to explain next was,"I am willing to accept that we who judge must not deny differences in experiences and heritage, but attempt as the supreme Court suggests, continuously to judge when those opinions, sympathies and prejudices are appropriate." On this quote, she was asked whether under any circumstances in which a judge's prejudices should impact decision making. Her response was short but effective, never! She also commented saying that in her quote she meant judges need to find they're feelings and push them aside in order to make non-prejudice decisions. Sotomayor was asked on many other subjects such as gun rights, abortion, many other questions involving law and rights and many of the same subjects I already touched on were asked about numerous times through.Sotomayor's view on gun rights is that she agrees with the second amendment. On abortion, she didn't give a straight answer and beat around the bush a lot. The answer she gave is that the Constitution says nothing about abortion and that she would have to look at state law to make her decision. Sotomayor was also asked many questions about herself. For example, in a assessment of Sotomayor, many things were wrote about her such as: she is an angry person, very aggressive, abuses lawyers, has an out of control attitude along with outbursts and can be somewhat of a bully. Her retaliation to these remarks were that she does ask hard questions in order for the lawyers to persuade her towards they're view. She was also asked what she would want to be said about her. Sotomayor said she would like to be remembered as a fair judge and a caring person who spent her life serving her country. On the last day of questioning, witnesesses were brought in who had good and bad things to say about her. One person who spoke was Linda Chavez of the Center for Equal Opportunity. She commented on Sotomayor saying she is obsessed with identity and racial quotas. Out of all the days of questioning, Sotomayor won over some of the Republican senators but still had some people unconvinced. The purpose of these questions was to discover her views on many different topics and whether or not she would be able to judge without prejudice and give every person a fair trial,by being able to push her own views aside. I believe the senators did a good job in finding out more about Sotomayor and her qualifications.
ReplyDeleteIn the first video many senators ask about her 2001 comment. Sotomayor explained that she meant that she was trying to inspire people to believe to become anything they want.She also said that the comment created a misunderstanding and that no race or gender can judge one more than another. I think that she was asked this question because it came off to most people as a sexist comment. Sotomayor condridicted the comment in every way. A senator from Alabama was not impressed by the answer. She said that the comment was meant to inspire young Latino and hispanic people.Senator Jeff from alabama thinks that she is bringing her personal life into her judging. He also asks about one of her comments that said judges make the law. Sotomayor responded that judges must apply the law not make the law. Senator also asks how a judges backround can influece thier decision. She denied that it could influece her decision. A senator also aked about gun rights. She said that the second amendment is an individual right. A senator from I owa asked if the government could seize personal property.She had no clue wat to say. I think that these questions were asked to see if she would bring her past experiences into her judging. In video 2 senator Coburn of Oklahoma asks if there is a deformed child in a persons belly than is it legal to kill it?She said that it is not the governments decision it is the mothers. A senator from texas asks about the washington post article.She says that she was never asked by the presidentabout her legal views. Senator Spector from Pennsylvania asks if the Roy Vs. Wade case has become a superpresident? She awnsers no it has not. A senator from Oklahoma asks if it is a political correct or not? She says they do not do it to please the U.S. but to do what the law says. I think that these questions were asked to seperate judging and personal life. I Video 3 Senator from North Carolina said that she is going to recognize that America is many places combined not just one big place. Her also asks about the people that were disturbed by the 2001 comment.She regrets offending the people. A senator from texas asked about how her hearing speeches were different from her public speeches.She said look at the lat 17 years and the decions I have made and note that i did what I believed in.A senator asked what do you want history to say about you. Sotomayor responded a fair judge and nice person.I don not think that she can take up the job of being a supreme court judge because it seems like she will do what she believes in and not what is always right.
ReplyDeleteIn the videos being shown senators and congressmen asked judge Sotomayor about some statements she has made in her 17 year career. The asked her about astatement she made in 2001 about latino women. She said she was no tryng to be predjudice. She was just trying to inspire others from different backgrounds. She apologizes for upsetting people.Sotomayor was also asked about her 2005 statement. She respondes by saying that judges don't make the uphold laws. She was also asked if it was ok to allow predjudice in court. Her answer was never. she was then asked about her beliefs about the second amendment. She said it was the peoples right to choose. She did not say anymore on the subject. Sotomayor was also asked about the Roe vs. Wade case. She believed it to be a "subtle law". They also ask if the constitution talks about abortion. She doesn't really anwser. She was said to be very temperate nasty and a bully to lawyers who do not see things her way. Her response was she just asks hard questions. She won many republicans. Sotomayor was asked these questions because some the statements shes made in the past were taken by some to be predjudice. She gave these anwsers because dhe didn't want to be seen as racial as predjudice and have people think that the decisions she made as a judge were based on predjudices. She was trying to convince the she had the best interest of the American citizens
ReplyDeleteIn these videos, Judge Sonia Sotomayor being asked questions by senators and other judges regarding her statements and remarks that she has made in the past seventeen years. In the first day of questioning, Senator Leahy asks her to explain her racial remarks. Sotomayor’s response was she was trying to inspire Latinos to believe that their life experiences would enrich the legal system and that they can be anything that they want to be. She does not believe that ethnic, racial, or gender group has an advantage in judging. Her remarks left an impression that she believed that life experiences commanded a result in the case. Sessions also asked her if there was any circumstance in which a judge should allow their prejudices to impact their decision making. Her answer was never their prejudices. I believe that these questions were asked to check if she was doing her job as judge and not allowing racial tensions to influence the outcome of her cases as some of her remarks were giving hint to otherwise. One senator asks Sotomayor if the Supreme Court went to far in 2005 when it expanded the power to seize private property for public use. Her response was she "understands the questions and what state legislature have done." Lindsey Graham asks if their was anything in the constitution that says a state legislature or the congress can not regulate abortion or the definition of life in the first trimester? Sotomayor does not directly answer the question so graham restates it a few times and get to does the constitution mention abortion? Sotomayor says that the word abortion is not used. Graham had raised questions about “whether Sotomayor is temperamentally suited to be a judge.” I believe that these questions were made because of what was said about her by lawyers in the Almanac of Federal Judiciary. Her response was that she does ask tough questions to give lawyers a chance to explain their positions and to persuade her that they are right.
ReplyDeleteOn the second day of questioning they ask Sotomayor questions of abortion. Sen. Tom Coburn asks her if it would be legal to have an abortion done on a 38 week fetus that they have recently discovered something on its back. Sotomayor’s response was that she can not answer it as an abstract. Specter asked Sotomayor if there was anything the Senate or Congress can do if a nominee says one thing but then goes across the street and does the complete opposite. Sotomayor answers that “that is one of the beauties of our constitution.” I believe that these questions are asked because of the confusion the day before with Lindsey Graham. I believe that Sotomayor answered these questions with the best of her knowledge and situation.
On the third and final day of questioning many republicans praised Sotomayor. Graham takes it back to the “wise Latino” comment again. He asks what she would say to those who were bothered by it. She says that she “regrets that I have offended some people. Coburn asks Sotomayor another gun rights question and she refuses to go any further with that subject. Sotomayor was asked what she would like history to say about herself. Her response was "I can't live my life to write history's story." Towards the end of the day witnesses were called to court either in favor or against Sotomayor. One witness claimed Sotomayor was obsessed with ethnicity. I believe these questions were asked because they want her to know that some of her comments were offensive. She answered to questions to where everybody can understand her point in which she was coming from.
In the opinions from legal scholars say that after the first day Sotomayor needs to be careful with what she says. They discussed the fact that Sotomayor played down the remarks and that she explained herself well. They were impressed with the way the Senators held their role in the questioning of Sotomayor.
In the video clips above, Judge Sonya Sotomayor is asked a series of questions by senators. In concern of her views on various subjects, for example abortion. Judge Sotomayor began with speaking of her belief “that every person has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences.” But this remark did not satisfy Senator Jeff Sessions. Jeff Sessions referred to her 2005 statement at Duke University “What do you really believe on those subjects, there is no real law, judges do not make law, there is no real law and that the court of appeals is where policy is made.” In response to the question she stated “Judges must apply law and not make the law.”
ReplyDeleteThroughout the video clips Sotomayor repeatedly referred to her record of 17 years and was also challenged on her knowledge of the constitution and law. The questioning heated up when Senator Lindsey Graham was put on the spot to question Judge Sotomayor. One of many questions he asked was “is there anything in the constitution that says that a state legislator of the congress cannot regulate abortion or the definition of life in the first trimester?” Sotomayor began with the statement “The holding of the court...” and was then interrupted by the following question “Does the constitution as written prohibit the legislative body the state of federal level from defining life or regulating the rights of the unborn or protecting the rights of the unborn in their first trimester?” Sotomayor was yet interrupted once again as she finally drew to conclude that “the word abortion is not used in the constitution.” This above is an example on how at times she would totally miss the target and/or point of the question.
Towards the end of her questioning, Judge Sotomayor won many republicans over such as Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Lindsey concluded his questioning by asking Judge Sotomayer “To those who may be bothered with that, what do you say?” she responded by saying she regretted offending those people, it was not her intention to leave an impression to those taken by her words. The questions asked by senators were asked to determine her position as judge and due to Sotomayor answering many of the questions thoroughly she won many republican senators over. Judge Sonja Sotomayor wanted to get several of her views across and is in hope of being remembered as a fair judge whom lived serving her country when the end draws near. Judge Sonya Sotomayor does not judge in favor of the people but judges in favor of the law, the right and just way. Judge Sonya Sotomayor wanted to also get across that she was not racially prejudice.
The videos showed senators asking Judge Sotomayor about previous cases and what she said in them. To help the senators with their decision were Sotomayors co-workers and some of the people who were affected by her decision. They also showed Professor Handler and Mrs. Blanco answering questions about how well they thought that Sotomayor did answering the questions she was asked.The senators asked questions about comments that she had made in the past. Some feel that some of the tings she said were racist and wrong. They also asked her about her temperment and how she is as a judge in making her decisions on her cases. Each of Sotomayor's responses were given to defend and explain what she said and did as a judge. Some of her responses were short and did not seem to answer the question that was asked. But she only did this so she would not be questioned again. These questions were asked and these responses were given in order to make sure that Sotomayor was a suitable and substantial judge. The senators wanted to make sure that Sotomayor was made good decisions and was not quick to change society in a bad way.They also wanted to be sure that she was a fair judge who followed the law in her judgements. Sotomayor wanted to make sure that the senators believed that she was a fair judge. Sotomayor did an okay job in the court becasue she could have answered some of her questions more in depth but she answered some really well. On some of the questions that were asked Sotomayor did a poor job of defending herself because she seemed to struggle with what to say and that wouldn't make her look bad.
ReplyDeleteIn these videos Senators are asking Sotomayor questions to defend herself against past statements that she had made. Most of these questions that are asked Sotomayor, from what I see, has some trouble answering them and takes a little more time then needed to think about them. Sotomayor says that she denies any racial biased remarks that she had made in the past. One of the very first questions that she was asked was by senator Patrick Leahy. He asked her to explan her 2001 remark, "I would hope that a wise Latina women with the richness of her experiences would more often that not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life." Sotomayor's relplied, "I was trying to inspire them to believe that their life experiences would inrich the legal system. And also to inspire them that they could become anything they want to become. That any race, no matter what background can become a good Judge." Though Republican, Jeff Session from Alabama, was not satisfied by the explanation. He said that as a judge you should put your experiences aside and biases so that the person gets a fair day in court. That you should apply to the laws and not make the laws. He then asked if there were any circumstances where a judge is to let their prejudicies to impact their decision making. Sotomayor replied by saying never, and that she was talking abuot the very important goal of the Justice System, to ensure the person no biases or prejudices of a judge. Senator Jeff Session then stated that Sotomayor's past statement that was said was the complete opposite of what she just stated. In Sotomayor's defense she said,"You have to be opened minded that your life experiences may not be appropriate." On the second day of questioning the senators based most of their questions on aboartion. One of the very first questionOne senator asked if he was 38 weeks pregnant and my baby had a defect would it be alright if he had an abortion on it. Sotomayor replied by saying,"I can't answer that question in the abstract.." In the final days of questioning Sotomayor won the praise over many Republicans. Senator Graham believes that Sotomayor, from what he knows, would make an acceptable judge. Though he says there are some areas where he still disagrees. That she said some things that bugged the hell out of him. Sotomayor replied by saying, "I regrets that I had offended people. I believe that my life experiences demonstrates that was not my intent to leave that some have taken from my words." Senator Graham replied, "You know what Judge, I agree with you. Good Luck." Then Senator John Cornyn says that his constituents that are watching says that Sotomayor says one thing in a speech and now at these hearings she's saying something that totally contradicts her past statements. He asks, "What should I tell them?" Sotomayor responds by saying to look at her decisions for 17 years and note that in every one of them she has done what that she so firmly believes in. To look at the speeches completely and to read what their context was and to understand the background of the issue that is being discussed. Overall my logical analysis of these videos is that Sotomayor wouldn't make a good senator. From what I've watched she takes a little too much time to think about her answers and she seems like she's nervous. Also, she does contridict herself few times from what she says in the video.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the four videos, we see Judge Sotomayor's Confirmaton Hearing and reactions to the hearing. In this hearing, she is asked many questions and she answers these questions. The first important question they ask her is regarding her statement about a latino woman, inquiring to whether or not she has any racial predjudices. She responded saying she believes ethnic diversity inriches the legal system and that she made the statement to inspire minorities to believe they can reach any goal, just as she did. She does not believe any ethnic group has the ability to judge better than another. The next question was waht she really believed about the law. She replies saying her record shows she believes you must apply the law. She was then asked if any predjudices affected her decision making. She responded saying she never allows predjudices to affect her decisons, but she does examine her feelings to make sure she is not using them. She's then asked about her earlier statement where she said use predjudices when they're appropriate. She replied saying she meant people to be open-minded, to make sure they aren't usuing any predjudices, to use experience when judging requires. She's then asked if she believes in the second amendment right, where she proceeds to answer yes. next, she's asked if she believed the supreme court went too far in seizing private property for public use. She responded saying she understands their reason in doing so. She is next questioned about abortion, whether or not it's stated in the constitution. She replies that the word abortion is not in the constitution,but other things may point to it. They then go on to ask her if she believes she's judge material, because past records state she's a bully in the court and very aggressive towards lawyers. She replies saying she asks tough questions to help lawyers explain to her and persuade her. Next, a senator uses a fake scenario where a 46 week pregnant woman finds out her child has medical problems beyond the mother's grasp and asks if abortion is right in this sense. She responds saying she can't really give an answer, but the best thing she could do in that position is to look at the state laws of the state the mother lives in. They proceed to ask her if it's okay to say one thing in court, but then leave and do the exact opposite. She replies by telling them to check her seventeen year record she keeps refering to, to show her application of the law. the next question they ask Judge Sotomayor was, is it more important to look good in court or to uphold the constitution? She responds by saying she believes it is not her job to please the home crowd, but to rule to get the lawright. Next, they ask her her beliefs on self defense. She replies saying it depends on whether or not it's an imminate threat. They then ask her if she has any last words on her latino woman comment. She responds saying she regrets that it bothered or hurt people. They then go on to question her on how some of her statements in the hearing contradict previous staements. She replies once again telling them them to look at her seventeen year record as a judge and her lack of predjudices. She also adds that she cannot be a judge that agrees with everyone. The next question asks her if she believes whether or not experiences should be used in judging. She answers yes. The last question she receives asks her what she would like said about her in history. She responds saying she hopes they remember her as a fair judge, caring person, and that she lived serving her country. The videos then next talk about the three witnesses, two firfighters and Linda Chavez. The firfighters belived promotion should be given on ability, not ethnicity. Linda Chavez believes in equal oppertunity. The last video shows reactions to the hearings. The responders said she was careful and deliberate, answered questions thoughtfully, and did not act like a hot head. They were impressed by her knowledge of the law. They felt she heleped people understand the true meaning of her latino woman quote.
ReplyDeleteIn the videos about Sonia Sotomayor there are a lot of questions and comments about her judging and about what she believes. She is also questioned about her statement about a Latino woman. Sotomayor says that she is sorry if she offended anyone, and she also feels that some do not understand what she was trying to say. The videos were about a questioning held with some members of Congress, particularly Senators, and they were questioning the judge Sotomayor. Questions that are asked by the Senators are, “What’s going on here judge?”, “What do you really believe on those subjects?”, and “Do you think there is any reason a judge should allow their prejudices to affect their decision.” There were also some questions about abortion. One question asked by Tom Coburn stated, “Would I be able to terminate a child with a disability simply because I may not be able to deal with it?” Sotomayor replied by saying she could not answer that question because it’s hypothetical, and she needs to know the state and its laws. A Senator also asked if the Constitution said anything about protecting or defying the rights of an unborn in first trimester. He also asked if there was anything at all in the Constitution about abortion. She replied with a no. There were also questions about if judges are there to please other countries, or our own, or to follow the law. Sotomayor replied saying that we rule to follow and abide by the law. John Cornyn stated that she says on thing, but in hearing opposes the things she says. Most responses given by Sotomayor were unclear, didn’t answer the questions asked, and she also brought up things that were irrelevant. Sotomayor did win praise from a handful of republicans, but on the other side was given negative replies from fellow lawyers saying that she was out of control, and was a bully. In the end I feel that the questions that were asked are there because of the decisions she has made as a judge in the past. Sotomayor gave unclear answers to defend her. She was playing a good game of defense. What I see though, is that she shouldn’t have had to play defense in the first place, and that she should not be using background, race, or feelings while judging but using the law because that is her job.
ReplyDeleteThe videos show the questioning process between Sotomayor and senators. The panel of senators pose questions for the judge, located at a table before them. These questions and answers will sway the senators opinions when they go to vote on whether she will make a good supreme court judge. The questioning takes place in a room of people, some of which were asked to testify on Sotomayor's character as a judge. The first round of questioning focused heavily on statements Sotomayor has made in past speeches. The main statement was one in which she said Latina women should be hired because of their life experiences. This question was used to see if Sotomayor had any racial biases or prejudices that would influence her rulings as a judge. Sotomayor defended her statement saying she was trying to inspire Latina women. When asked by one senator if she thought prejudices should ever impact a case, Sotomayor said "Never". That same day, she was asked about her temperament. Sotomayor was asked to respond to statements regarding her temperament , including "She is a terror on the bench" and "she can be a bit of a bully". She simply said she asks tough questions in oral argument to give an opportunity for both parties to explain their positions and persuade her. Through the entire process of questioning, Sotomayor was level-headed, thought through her answers and replied with control. The second day of questioning, the topic of curiosity seemed to be abortion. Sotomayor was given a hypothetical situation in which a woman who was 38 weeks pregnant discovered the fetus had a spinal bifida sack and didn't think she could handle it. Sotomayor responded saying she would have to look at the laws for the particular state. This shows that whether her views are for or against abortion she will do what is right according to the law. She again demonstrated that , in her mind, the law is what comes first with her answer to a later question. A senator asked if it is important that the U.S. looks good outside the country or if it is more important that the law of the constitution be followed. She replied, " We don't render decisions to please a crowd, you rule to get the law right." On the third and final day of questioning, the discussion came back to past speeches by Sotomayor. She was asked what she would say to those offended by the wise Latina comment. She said, " I regret offending some people. I believe my life demonstrates that was not my intent to leave the impression some have taken from my words." Another question regarded the contradiction between past comments and comments made in the hearings. Sotomayor asked that people look at her last 17 years as a judge and see that she doesn't rule with personal views or prejudices. Sotomayor just wants to be seen as a fair judge that lives her life serving her country. With the hearings over, it is up to the senators to decide to vote for or against Sotomayor. No doubt, they will base their decisions on her character and answers in the hearing and her record as a judge.
ReplyDeleteThese videos show the questioning being done between Judge Sotomayor and senators and other congressmen.The questions revolve around her beliefs and judging abilities based on current knowledge and over her 17 year history. The questioning takes place in a room full of senators. Senators asked questions about her character and they were doing this to gather information to decide whether they would vote for or against her when the time came. In the first video, they asked questions revolving around her answers to past questions and speeches. She was asked about the heavily popular statement she made on wise latino women. In the hearings she explained that she never meant to offend anyone and she thinks people got the wrong idea on her message. As the questions continued, abortion became a popular topic. She was given an example in which a pregnant woman's baby had a serious body disfunction and didnt think she could handle that kind of responsibility. Sotomayor responded saying that in order to answer the question fully, she would need to look into that specific state's abortion laws. This gives senators a good picture of Sotomayor. It shows that she wouldn't make a decision without looking into the law,since that is the most important thing. Another question arose saying that many lawyers believed Sotomayor was "a bully" and "nasty towards lawyers." They also said she was hot-headed. She answered with caution and calmness saying that she asks these questions in order to get a better look at the situation from both sides and so she can get an argument from both sides. In the end it is to make a better decision. Another question arose about how some people believe that what she says in her speeches and what she was saying at the hearing dont match up. She told them to look over her past 17 years of history and try to realize that she says what she says based on the law of the land, not personal opinions or predjudices.The next question read, "Is it important to look good for other countries and impress others?" Her answer was that we should not work to please anyone, but to do what the law says we should do. When asked about how she hoped to be seen in the future she replied, " I hope to be seen as a fair judge." On the final day of questioning, she pleased many republican senators. Senator Graham said that she would make a fine judge.In the last video they focused on saying that she was very cautious throughout the questioning n order to not say the wrong thing and she did it well. These were asked to help senators make a decision on whether or not she would make a good judge, one that would not judge based on personal opinions.
ReplyDeleteIn these four videos posted above, Judge Sotomayor is asked a series of questions posed by the senators. They first address the 2001 remark Sotomayor made about " a wise Latino woman". The Judge first gives thanks to the senator for letting her fully explain the meaning of the remark she made. She denied having any racial prejudice and says she made the remark in order to inspire the peole. She said that you can achieve whatever it is you desire, no matter what your race or background shows. It does not matter what your background is; it matters if you are truly qualified to fairly serve the people. Judge Sotomayor says she regrets making the remark. She was then questioned about her 200 remark dealing with laws and the court of appeals. Sotomayor replied that Judges do not make the laws, they just enforce them. And when asked if prejudice should ever be allowed in the courtroom, she responded wih a firm "never". Senators asked her about the right to bare arms, which is the second amendment to the constitution. Sonia says that it is the individuals right and that is protected by the 2nd amendment. This question brought up the case of the firefighters that were denied promotions due to their race. Senator Graham asks Sonia about abortion and whether the constitution mentions it. The judge says no, it does not flat out say the word:abortion. Judge Sotomayor is also confronted about her temperment and the evalutions she received. Some claimed that her behavior was " out of control", she " attacked lawyers", "nasty", and that she acted like a "bully". Sonia responded by saying that she asks tough questions. She does not base her decisions on the opinions of the whole crowd. Judge Sotomayor was greatly praised by the republicans. Some said that she was cautious and careful with her answers. These questions were being asked in order to set the facts straight and clear up all the Judges remarks and statements. Some say that she says one thing, and almost contridicts everything that she just said. She gives those answers in order to win over the people and appeal to the likeliness of everyone. She wants to maintain an ideal image for the senators and the people to win over their support. Although sonme senators believe that she would make an "acceptable" judge, some still disagree with the beliefs of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
ReplyDeleteThe videos were mostly of the questioning of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to determine if she is a fit candidate to rule on the United States Supreme Court. She was asked many questions, ranging from her opinions on abortion to cases she has ruled on in the past. One of the important topics she was questioned on was a comment she made in a speech in 2001. The comment made was "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." Many of senators believed that this showed a racial bias, and that it was meant as a racist comment. Judge Sotomayor defended herself saying that the comment was being taken out of context and that she didn't mean it as a racist comment, but instead that she meant to use it to encourage people of other races to involve themselves in government. She also later stated that regretted offending anyone with the comment. Another topic that was brought up was the topic of abortion. Judge Sotomayor was question on her beliefs about abortion. She stated that the constitution never mentioned abortion. When later given a hypothetical situation by a senator about abortion, and asked for what her ruling would be she said that she could not give a ruling because she did not what state the case was coming out of, and so she didn't know that states specific laws on abortion. A topic that was brought up at one point was a case that Judge Sotomayor had ruled on formerly. The case involver two firefighters, one a Latino male who was promoted after taking a test, the other a white man who was passed over for the promotion. The white man believed he was passed over because of his race because he had scored better than the Latino man on the test. Judge Sotomayor ruled in favor of the Latino man, but her ruling was later overturned by a higher court. These questions are being asked because it is the Senator's job to make sure that the next Supreme Court justice is not a biased person who bases their rulings on their emotions and prejudices, but instead heads into a case with an open mind and is willing to listen to both sides of a case. Judge Sotomayor is giving answers that she thinks will prove that she is an unbiased judge and will convince the Senate that she would be a worthy candidate for the Supreme Court.
ReplyDeleteDuring the first three videos, Senators questioned Judge Sotomayor about her beliefs, about comments that she had made, and about certain cases and the rulings in which she made. In the fourth video, legal scholars were asked their opinions about Judge Sotomayor, about the questions that she was asked during the hearing, and about the answers that she had given. The Senators asked questions about the comments that Judge Sotomayor had made, about her views and beliefs on abortion, gun rights, property rights, upholding interning Japanese-Americans during World War II, on her qualifications of being a Judge based on her temper and her 17 years,and much more. The Senators questioned her harshly on her comment about the latina woman compared to the white male. Judge Sotomayor replied by saying that she did not intend for the comment to offend anyone, she said it to inpire those who are Hispanic, Latina, etc.. She said,"You don't rule to please any crowd, you rule to get the law right under its terms." Judge Sotmayor was also questioned on the right of defense. One Senator, John Cornyn, questions Judge Sotomayor on how she says one thing in one place and seems to contradict her previous statement in another place. Maria Blanco, a legal scholar from the University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law, believed that Judge Sotomayor is not a hot head and was impressed with her knowledge of the law. Blanco also believed that Judge Sotomayor explained herself well, was not completely cautious, addressed each concern with her actions, and thought that the technique that was by Judge Sotomayor was also used by several other judges. Jonathan Adler, a legal scholar from the Case Western Reserve Unversity School of Law, believed that Judge Sotomayor had back tracked and felt that the Republicans were not entirely convinced; and niether was he, but her strategy was effective. Judge Sotomayor avoided completely answering some questions and others she answered straight forward. She answered the questions to best of her ablity given the circumstances, according to herself. The Senators asked so many questions to find out and make sure that Judge Sotomayor was qualified and ready for her position. Judge Sotomayor was trying to prove to the Senators that she was qualified and ready for the next step in her job/career.
ReplyDeleteIn watching these videos about judge Sotomayor I noticed an abundance of Republicans trying to take down her credibility as a judge and that her past experiences would interfere with her decision making as a judge. The goals of the questions that were asked were to take her previous statements and imply that those statements contradicted what she said at the hearings. Hot topic questions like abortion were also brought up frequently because that is one of the most sensitive subjects out there and you have to be extremely careful in answering any questions about. Her responses to the questions about her previous statements were handled by pointing out her track record as a judge and that it will show anyone how she views topics. In response to questions about abortion she dodged the issue by saying that she could not answer it because the question is not specific enough and that she doesn’t know the individual states conclusion about abortion. Also, there were many questions about her ethnicity and how, based on previous statements, she thinks it gives her an advantage over a white male judge. She responded by saying the quote was taken out of context and that she was trying to inspire the group she was speaking to. They asked her about this quote because the politicians thought that she was implying that acting on past experiences was a good thing in interpreting the law when they believed you had to forget the past and worry about the law and not personal judgment. Again Sotomayor went back to saying that her seventeen year track record will show you everything you need to know about her.
ReplyDeleteIn these videos I see a congressional panel questioning Judge Sotomayor about statements that she has made and judgments she has made in past circumstances both legal and not. They asked her about her statement “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life.” Her response about that comment was that she was trying to inspire the crowd she was talking to not to make a racial or gender bias statement. These questions are being asked to try and educate the congress men and women about judge Sotomayor’s legal perspectives and voting history. They also questioned her statement that “The court of appeals is where policy is made.” She said in response that “lawyers must follow the law and not make the law. Another question about a previous statement in which she said that judges should continue to judge when opinions, sympathies, and prejudices are appropriate went as followed. Judge is there any times you believe that prejudices should ever be allowed to influence a decision. She stated that you should always recognize those feelings and put them aside when making a decision wile judging. They also asked her if the constitution regulates abortion or defining life or regulating the right of the unborn. She could not answer this question the first 3 times he asked it then she finally went on to say that the word abortion is not used in the constitution. These questions are being asked to determine whether or not she is suitable to be elected as a Supreme Court judge. The judge is then responding to these questions to represent her side of the case and in turn show why she would be a good Supreme Court justice.
ReplyDeleteThe four videos above are about the questioning of Judge Sotomayor. Throughout all of the videos, Sotomayor is being asked questions by Democrats and Republicans alike to try and find out if she is suited enough to be a Supreme Court Justice. The first video is based on finding out the true meaning behind some of the past comments Judge Sotomayor has made. Sotomayor's comment said that any Latino women could do the same thing a white women could do because of their background. This brought up controvercy for most senators to put Sotomayor into the Supreme Court. The Senators do not want to put a racist or biased person into a place where the law is interpreted straight from the constitution without any ethnic involvement. When asked to clarify what she meant she stated that she was trying to inspire the young latino women in America to do whatever they wanted and be whatever they wanted to be. She answered very thouroghly and turned an insinuating question that made her sound biased, into a positive reinforcement of herself which is very good. The Second video brought up the point on abortion. When asked whether she believed that abortion should be legal or illegal, she avoided answering the question and did not pick a side. Her not choosing what she thought to be true could have been bad for her. If she does not state a side and a belief on a subject, some senators might not want to confirm her into position because of the chance of anything happening if she was approached with this situation if she became a Supreme Court Justice. The third video wrapped up the questioning of the Supreme Court Nominee. She was asked why she goes mainstream in most of her actual hearings but when she gives a speach she somewhat contradicts herself. She stated that in being a judge she will always put away what her feelings are and in the end the law will sustain. She was also asked about her position on several other things that she kept trying to avoid. She answered saying that until she has heard every angle of the story and until she has heard every detail she will not make a decision on what she believes and that she will not give a definite yes or no until she knows everything. This response makes her sound sure of herself and like she knows what she is doing. Showing the senate that she has confidence would definitly help her get into the Supreme Court position.
ReplyDeleteThe fourth and final video had two people discussing whether or not she did well or not in specific times during the questioning. They talked about what she did well and what they disagreed upon. In the end both of the people agreed that in general it was a good day for Judge Sotomayor. Sotomayor answered all of her questions with confidence, even if she did not answer them all to the fullest. The Senators seemed to have liked what she had to say and things are looking very good for Sotomayor.
In the videos above I seen Judge Sotomayor being questioned on such subjects as abortion rights and her views on the Roe vs. Wade controversy. I came to notice that Sotomayor was responding to the questions asked in a very defensive manner and with an almost sarcastic tone of voice. She seems to be at a loss for words when asked about her 2001 comment wich stated "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life" which became a start for many of the questions to come that were mostly based on her comment being stated as racist. When that comment was spoken to her she said and I quote "I was trying to inspire them to believe that there life experiences would enrich the legal system because different lifestyles and background always do, I was also trying to inspire them to believe that they could become anything they wanted to become,just as I did..."
ReplyDeleteIn these videos such questions are being asked because there were some comments stated by Sotomayor that needed clarification because they were being called racist, or not correctly interperated.Judge Sotomayor answered these questions as needed and she clearly explained what message she was trying to portray in the controversial 2001 statement.At the same time she is trying to show why she would make a good , lawful , and honorable Supreme Court justice.
we see in this video Judge Sotomayors confirmation hearing. She is beibg questioned by a number of senators to determine if she will be a good appointment to the supreme court. The Senators questions seem to focus on comments previously made by sonia Sotomayor. She was asked if she thought Prejudices should ever influence a case, to wich she replied: never. This question was asked as a result of a comment previously made by the judge. These questions are being asked to determine wether or not Sotomayors Prejudices would influence her were she made a supreme court justice. The answers she gave were her telling the panel of questioners what they want to hear.
ReplyDeleteThe videos show a questioning of Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearing. Senators are the ones asking these questions and they are trying to make sure that she is fit to be on the Supreme Court. The senators ask questions about past statements that she must defend. For example, the 2001 remark she make about latinos that said "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life." she was asked several other questions pertaining to abortion, how she were to handle a guns rights case, etc. The responses that Sotomayor gives are really safe, and the senators say that she contridicts herself, but she is able to back herself up most of the time. The questions are being asked to make sure she is fit for senator, and to check her background and make sure she still feels the same about that case. Sotomayor gave the answers she gave to again, play it safe and not say the wrong thing. Sotomayor seemed confident in her answers though, and the judges seemed to have approved.
ReplyDeleteThe video shows what went on during the questioning sessions between Judge Sotomayor and the senators. In the video Sotomayor is asked questions about her past statements, such as, her statement “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life”. She replied that she merely meant to inspire young Latina women and that she in no way meant that in ethnic group or gender was more qualified than another to reach a decision. She also defended her statement about the appeals court, by saying that it was taken out of context and that she was really describing what district court judges do, compared to what circuit court judges do. When asked about her ruling about the white firefighters being denied a promotion she said that she supports her decision and that the Supreme Court showed lower courts another way to look at the issue and established a new policy to be followed in the future. She was also asked about gun rights, where she said that she agreed with the Supreme Court, in that the 2nd amendment is an individual right. On issues of abortion Sotomayor said that the decision of Roe v. Wade is law, but she evaded direct questions on her views of abortion. She said that the Supreme Court does not reach decisions in order to please a certain crowd, when asked if it was important to look good to other countries. One senator asked what he should say to those who believe that she is contradicting herself in the hearings, she says to look at her record of 17 years and they would see that it speaks for its self. All in all, Sotomayor was able to keep the support of the democrats and even gain the respect of some republican senators, including Senator Graham. Judge Sotomayor was asked these questions in order for the senators to decide if she is a suitable choice for a Supreme Court Judge. She answered the questions in the manner that she did in order to prove to the senators that she would be a good choice for a Supreme Court judge and she would judge with out bias or prejudice.
ReplyDeleteIn the first three videos I see Sotomayor being questioned in the video by a panel of Senators to determine if she would be a good Supreme Court judge. As the questions ended, witnesses from Sotomayor's previous court decisions and those against/for her were brought in to talk about her views or rulings. The fourth video was a group of people analyzing and commenting on how Sotomayor handle the questioning process. The questions being asked by the Senators focused primarily on controversial comments made by Sotomayor in the past, and on issues that hotly debated. One of these questions were an explanation of one of her comments about prejudice. It indicated that a judge's prejudice did influence their decisions. Sotomayor's answer was that she meant that a judge should recognize what prejudices they do have, and put them aside so they're not influencing their decisions. Sotomayor believes that prejudice should never influence a judge's decision. When it came to the questioning about her views of the second amendment and how she would rule in a related case, Sotomayor's response, in summary was that it depends on the case. Sotomayor also stated before that she does not let personal beliefs affect her court decisions. Sotomayor's responses to these questions were calm and collected, while appearing to have no "hot headed" quality. Sotomayor did back track or try avoid some of the questions of asked, but manage to do so with some grace. These questions are being given because the panel wants to bring up and clear issues regarding some of the controversial comments and groups she has been in the past. These questions are also being raised to see how the judge tend to respond in court cases. Sotomayor is giving these answers to panel to indicate that she broad minded, has a firm sense of the constitution/law, and is calm enough to make rational decisions.
ReplyDeleteThe videos are focusing on Sotomayor's hearing to become a new supreme Court judge. In the first three videos, Senators are asking Sotomayor questions about past remarks and future responses. The senators asked Sotomayor about a remark in 2001 where she said, "I would hope that a wise Latino woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not come to a better conclusion than a white male who has not lived that life." She responded by saying that in context she was trying to give different minority ethnic groups hope that they could have a life like she has. They also asked her about her believes pertaining to abortion and gun use. Sotomayor answered the questions with some grace, but some questions she refused to fully answer. She denied having any prejudices toward people. The fourth video included people debating over how Sotomayor answered her questions. These questions were asked to judge Sotomayor's ability to handle court cases. Sotomayor answered them to show she would make a great judge.
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