Senators Conclude Questioning of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Nominee John Roberts

By Deborah Tate

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have concluded their questioning of Judge John Roberts, President Bush's nominee to be Chief Justice of the United States. Democrats are criticizing the nominee for not being forthcoming enough about his views on a range of issues.

During two-and-a-half days of often tense questioning, Judge Roberts was asked about issues ranging from abortion to civil rights to the death penalty.

But the nominee repeatedly declined to answer questions about issues he believed could come before the Supreme Court, saying he did not want to prejudge cases.

Democrats say despite the many hours Judge Roberts testified before the panel, they still do not know much about what direction the nominee would take the court. They note that the 50-year-old judge, if confirmed, could serve on the Supreme Court for decades, and make decisions that could affect generations of Americans.

"Many of us are struggling with exactly that: what kind of a justice would you be, John Roberts?" asked Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Judge Roberts, a conservative appeals court judge who was a political appointee in the administrations of President Bush's father and Ronald Reagan, sought to assure lawmakers that he is not an ideologue, but one who respects the law. He said his two-year record as an appellate judge offers a guide to who he is.

"I would hope you would look at my briefs and my arguments before the Supreme Court and conclude that that is a person who respects the law, respects the court before whom he is arguing, and will approach the law in a similar way as a judge," said Mr. Roberts.

Earlier Thursday, Judge Roberts said Congress has the authority to pass legislation barring discrimination based on race, gender and disability.

The hearings will conclude late Thursday with testimony from witnesses who support and who oppose the nomination.

The Judiciary Committee is to vote on the nomination next week.

Confirmation by the full Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, is likely by the end of the month, in time for the start of the new court session October 3.

Source: VOA