The Importance of Judicial Independence and Non-Partisanship

🔒Judge Barrett affirms her commitment to judicial independence and stresses the importance of insulating judges from political pressure.

🙅‍♀️She declines to give opinions on controversial matters, stating that judges should approach cases thoughtfully and with an open mind.

📚Judge Barrett references legal scholarship to support her position on super precedents and acknowledges that some cases, like Roe v. Wade, are controversial.

💼She asserts that judges should not engage in political punditry and should instead focus on interpreting the law impartially.

⚖️Judge Barrett emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ballot box and the role of the courts in adjudicating cases related to election laws.

Does Judge Barrett believe in judicial independence?

—Yes, she emphasizes her commitment to judicial independence and states that she will decide cases based on the law rather than political pressure.

Did Judge Barrett express her opinions on controversial issues?

—No, she refuses to give opinions on contentious matters, stating that judges should approach cases thoughtfully and with an open mind.

What did Judge Barrett say about super precedents?

—She refers to legal scholarship to explain the concept of super precedents and acknowledges that some cases, like Roe v. Wade, are controversial.

Should judges engage in political punditry?

—No, Judge Barrett asserts that judges should not engage in political punditry but should focus on interpreting the law impartially.

What did Judge Barrett say about the integrity of the ballot box?

—She highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ballot box and acknowledges that courts may hear cases related to election laws.

00:12Judge Barrett is asked about President Trump's nominee and the future of the Affordable Care Act. She states that she can't speak for the President and emphasizes her commitment to judicial independence.

01:40Senator Harris questions Judge Barrett about the concept of super precedents, referencing Roe v. Wade. Judge Barrett explains her use of the term and refers to legal scholars.

02:30Senator Kennedy asks Judge Barrett if she believes COVID-19 is infectious, to which she responds affirmatively.

02:42Senator Kennedy asks if Judge Barrett believes smoking causes cancer, and she acknowledges that it is a well-established fact.

02:58Senator Harris asks Judge Barrett if she believes climate change is happening and threatening the air and water. Judge Barrett responds cautiously, stating that it is a contentious matter.

03:23Senator Leahy questions Judge Barrett about the pardon power of the President. She states that the question has never been litigated and calls for legal analysis.

03:58Senator Klobuchar asks Judge Barrett about the peaceful transfer of power and the role of legislative bodies in protecting the integrity of the ballot box. Judge Barrett emphasizes the need for legal analysis and an open mind.

05:26Judge Barrett is questioned about whether anyone, including the President, is above the law. She agrees that nobody is above the law.