Latest In

News

Graham to Sotomayor: Do You Have a Temperament Problem?

Ouch. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) just lit into Sonia Sotomayor for being a terror on the bench and nasty to lawyers, and for attacking lawyers she

Jul 31, 2020297087 Shares3961164 Views
Ouch. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) just lit into Sonia Sotomayor for being “a terror on the bench” and “nasty to lawyers,” and for attacking lawyers she disagrees with, citing the comments of anonymous lawyers quoted in the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary.
“You stand out like a sore thumb in terms of your temperament,” he charged. “What’s your answer to these criticisms?”
Sotomayor: “I do ask tough questions in oral argument. … When I ask lawyers tough questions it’s to give them an opportunity to explain their positions on both sides and to persuade me that they’re right. I do know that in the Second Circuit, because we only give litigants ten minutes of oral arguments each, that processes are different in the Second Circuit than in most circuits across the country. Our court is generally described as a hot bench. … That means that they’re peppered with questions. … Lots of lawyers who are unfamiliar with the process in the Second Circuit find that process difficult and challenging.”
Graham interrupted her. “They find youdifficult and challenging more than your colleagues,” he said, adding: “I never liked appearing before a judge who was a bully. Do you think you have a temperament problem?”
Sotomayor tried to say no, but Graham interrupted her again.
“I would suggest to you as you go forward that these statements are striking,” he said. “They’re not about your colleagues. Maybe these hearings are a time for self-reflection.”
*You can follow TWI on Twitterand Facebook. *
William Willis

William Willis

Reviewer
William Willis is a freelance writer and social media manager who specializes in assisting finance professionals and Fintech entrepreneurs in growing their online audience and attracting more paying customers. William worked as a bank teller and virtual assistant for financial firms in the United States and the United Kingdom for six years before beginning her writing career. William is a strong force in the workplace, inspiring others to work hard and excel with his optimistic attitude and boundless energy. He enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing video games with his children in his spare time.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles