The NPR Politics Podcast Ketanji Brown Jackson Vows To Be An "Impartial" Supreme Court Justice
Mar 23, 2022
Ketanji Brown Jackson faced tough questioning during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing, emphasizing her commitment to impartiality. Senators debated her past sentencing decisions, particularly in contentious child pornography cases. The hearing showcased political tensions, with Republican leaders navigating complex narratives around critical race theory. Jackson defended her judicial philosophy while addressing the polarized perspectives on her qualifications. The discussions hint at broader implications for the Supreme Court's future and partisan dynamics.
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Jackson's Originalist Leanings
- Judge Jackson's constitutional interpretation resembles conservative justices like Scalia, focusing on original text and meaning.
- This surprised some, as she was nominated by a Democratic president.
GOP Focus on Sentencing
- Republicans are focusing on Jackson's sentencing record in child pornography cases, alleging leniency.
- Fact-checkers and some conservatives find these attacks borderline demagogic.
Guantanamo Defense Scrutinized
- Lindsey Graham heatedly questioned Jackson's defense of Guantanamo Bay detainees.
- He expressed his hope that dangerous detainees die in jail rather than be released.