Posted by Jonathan Adler:
Sotomayor's "Temperament" -- Take Two:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_05_24-2009_05_30.shtml#1243570068
Tomorrow's NYT features a [1]story by Jo Becker and Adam Liptak
examining the question of Judge Sotomayor's temperament. The article
reinforces some of the critical claims that have been made -- such as
her questioning style at oral argument -- but generally presents a
favorable picture of her performance on the bench.
To supporters, Judge Sotomayor�s vigorous questioning of the Bush
administration�s position in the case of the Canadian, Maher Arar,
showcases some of her strengths. She is known as a formidably
intelligent judge with a prodigious memory who meticulously
prepares for oral arguments and is not shy about grilling the
lawyers who appear before her to ensure that she fully understands
their arguments.
But to detractors, Judge Sotomayor�s sharp-tongued and occasionally
combative manner � some lawyers have described her as �difficult�
and �nasty� � raises questions about her judicial temperament and
willingness to listen. Her demeanor on the bench is an issue that
conservatives opposed to her nomination see as a potential
vulnerability � and one that Mr. Obama carefully considered before
selecting her.
Another tidbit in the article is that Harvard law professor Laurence
Tribe apparently "served as an advisor" to the nomination process
References
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/us/politics/29judge.html
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