Here & Now

Wisconsin's Senators on the Ketanji Brown Jackson Hearings

Frederica Freyberg:

Also in Washington, U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson sat down before the Senate Judiciary Committee and fielded heated questions. The committee’s chairman has called for an executive session as early as April 4, when the committee’s vote on her nomination is expected to take place. Judge Jackson is thought to have maintained her composure in the midst of intense grilling.

Ketanji Brown Jackson:

I was able to demonstrate, clearly, I think, that the particular parties in the case, the issues in the case, what it’s about, from a standpoint of personal preference is not an issue. I’m setting those things aside. I am ruling from a position of neutrality and trying to determine in every case what the law requires. I am committed, I think my record shows, to the understanding that that is the role and the only appropriate role for a judge.

Frederica Freyberg:

Wisconsin’s senators had this to say about Judge Jackson. Democrat Tammy Baldwin said, “Judge Jackson is extremely well qualified and has strong experience working as a federal judge. She has a proven record of being an impartial, fair and independent judge who is guided by the rule of law, and the Senate hearings made that clear this week. Judge Jackson has shown she has the character, temperament and experience we would want in a justice on the United States Supreme Court.”

A spokesperson for Republican Senator Ron Johnson said he wants to confirm judges that apply the law and will not be judicial activists. From testimony this week, it seems that President Biden has nominated a Supreme Court justice who will tend to impose her policy preferences from the bench. However, he looks forward to meeting with Judge Jackson in person to have a thorough discussion regarding her record, judicial philosophy, and adherence to the Constitution. Both Senators have plans to meet with Judge Jackson in person ahead of the full Senate vote on her confirmation.