[Mb-civic] 'Judges Are Not Politicians, ' Roberts Says - Washington Post

[William Swiggard]

'Judges Are Not Politicians,' Roberts Says
As Hearings Begin, Democrats Call for Fuller Answers on Civil Rights Views

By Charles Babington and Jo Becker
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, September 13, 2005; Page A01

John G. Roberts Jr. opened the first Supreme Court confirmation hearing 
in 11 years yesterday by portraying himself as a humble, non-political 
judge who would interpret the law "without fear or favor" if he became 
the 17th chief justice of the United States.

After listening to three hours of senators' opening statements, in which 
Democrats expressed fears that he would move the court to the right on 
abortion, civil rights and other issues, Roberts sought to dispel such 
speculation. Though he offered no specifics on his views, Roberts said 
justices must have "the humility to recognize that they operate within a 
system of precedent."

"I have no platform," he told the Senate Judiciary Committee in a brief 
speech without notes in the ornate Russell Caucus Room. "Judges are not 
politicians who can promise to do certain things in exchange for votes." 
Rather, he said, "judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules; 
they apply them."

Although the stewardship of the Supreme Court is at stake for 
potentially decades to come, yesterday's hearing seemed almost 
anticlimactic, with public attention riveted on the aftermath of 
Hurricane Katrina and Democrats still pressing for 15-year-old documents 
that might give them better ammunition against Roberts. With few 
doubting that Roberts, 50, will ultimately win confirmation, senators of 
both parties used yesterday's forum to highlight their contrasting legal 
philosophies and views of the court's role in society.

Many Republicans used their allotted 10 minutes apiece to urge the 
nominee not to answer questions about legal issues that might come 
before the court. But Democrats said he must satisfy them that he will 
safeguard the rights of women, disabled people and minorities in the 
voting booth and workplace. Some also pressed him to recognize a 
constitutional right to privacy, which underpins the Supreme Court's 
legalization of abortion nationwide.

"This is a confirmation proceeding," said Sen. Russell Feingold 
(D-Wis.), "not a coronation. It is the Senate Judiciary Committee's job 
to ask tough questions."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/12/AR2005091200642.html
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