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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Paige Cram, NLG Communications Coordinator, 212-679-5100,
ext. 15, communications@nlg.org

National Lawyers Guild Calls for Reasoned Analysis of Sotomayor Nomination

NEW YORK

In the wake of President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia
Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court, the National Lawyers
Guild (NLG) encourages a reasoned analysis of Sotomayor's candidacy.
Critics are focusing on accusations of judicial activism and identity
politics rather than engaging in sound examination of her legal
qualifications. Comments of this nature serve only to distract from
meaningful discussion surrounding the judicial confirmation process.

"When Judge Sotomayor was nominated, conservative pundits immediately
leveled allegations of judicial activism against her. That charge is
not only hypocritical, but is also disingenuous. Bush v. Gore,
supported by these same commentators in 2000, is the most vivid
example of judicial activism ever displayed by the highest court,"
said Marjorie Cohn, President of the National Lawyers Guild.

Critics have increasingly questioned the role that Sotomayor's race
and gender played in her nomination. Changing the discourse from one
of judicial qualifications to one of identity politics detracts from a
proper evaluation of her suitability for the job.

The Guild encourages an analysis that focuses on Sotomayor's
credentials and ability to interpret the Constitution of the United
States. These are the criteria by which any judicial nominee should be
evaluated.

The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) works to promote human rights and the rights of ecosystems over property interests. It was founded in 1937 as the first national, racially-integrated bar association in the U.S.

(212) 679-5100