Judge Amy Coney Barrett delivered her opening remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning and she made two major points.
First, she talked about the proper role of the courts, saying they are not supposed to make law and legislate from the bench. She also refused to back down to attacks from Senate Democrats on her faith, saying she strongly believes in prayer and thanked the many Americans who are prayer for her amid those attacks on her Christian faith.
“I believe in the power of prayer and it’s been uplifting that so many people have been praying for me,” Judge Barrett told members of the judicial panel.
“Nothing is more important to me, and I am so proud to have them behind me,” she added.
SIGN THE PETITION: Vote to Confirm Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett
Before that, Judge Barrett discussed the proper role of the Supreme Court.
“Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our life,” she explained. “The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try.”
“When I write an opinion resolving a case, I read every word from the perspective of the losing party. I ask myself how would I view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against,” she went on to say. “Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law? That is the standard I set for myself in every case, and it is the standard I will follow as long as I am a judge on any court.”
The federal appeals court justice also praised Justice Antonin Sclaia, for whom she clerked, as a mentor and great influence on her judicial perspective and philosophy.
“Justice Scalia taught me more than just law. He was devoted to his family. Resolute in his beliefs. And fearless of criticism. And as I embarked my own legal career, I resolved to maintain that same perspective,” Judge Barrett said.
