Last Saturday, Judge Amy Coney Barrett laid out her judicial philosophy after being nominated for the Supreme Court by President Donald Trump, saying she will take a conservative approach to the law as Justice Antonin Scalia.
Barrett paid homage to Scalia, who was her late mentor.
“I clerked for Justice Scalia more than twenty years ago, but the lessons I learned still resonate… A judge must apply the law as written. Judges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they may hold.”
Judge Amy Coney Barrett
Former Notre Dame law professor Barrett said she shares the same judicial philosophy as Scalia’s. Scalia was known to be the Court’s most influential conservative. He was against gay rights, affirmative action, and abortion rights.
Barrett also commended the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She described the latter as a pioneer for women and praised her and Scalia’s friendship despite the philosophical variation.
“Justices Scalia and Ginsburg disagreed fiercely in print without rancor in person. Their ability to maintain a warm and rich friendship, despite their differences, even inspired an opera.”
Judge Barrett
Barrett, a conservative federal appeals court judge, is favored by conservatives and the religious right. Her confirmation by the Senate to fill-up Ginsburg’s position, a feminist icon, and the liberal wing leader will solidify a Republican majority on the Court.
“Should I be confirmed, I will be mindful of who came before me. She not only broke glass ceilings, but she also smashed them, and for that, she has won the admiration of women across the country.”
Judge Barrett
President Trump clarified that he is pushing his nominee through the Senate before the day of the elections. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. has enough votes for the nomination said that there is enough time for it to push through. The GOP’s urge to fill the vacancy infuriated the Democrats who contend that whoever wins the election must select the replacement for Ginsburg’s.
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