Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate this week continued its rush to pack the federal appeals courts with judicial nominees that are far outside the mainstream when it comes to civil rights, equal justice, and upholding the rule of law. The Senate has confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Joan Larsen to the 6th Circuit, and Allison Eid to the 10th Circuit, while clearing the way for the confirmation of Stephanos Bibas to the 3rd Circuit.
In response, Michele Jawando, vice president for Legal Progress at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Senate Republicans are rushing to install a slew of seriously flawed nominees to the nation’s federal appeals courts without taking the time to consider legitimate concerns. President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the courts with conservative extremists will have damaging consequences for years to come.
Amy Coney Barrett has suggested that judges may put their religious objections to abortion, euthanasia, and other issues ahead of their obligation to follow established law. This is an unacceptable position for a judge who is supposed to be fair and independent in upholding the rule of law.
Joan Larsen’s writings have raised serious questions about her ability to act as a check on presidential power. She defended the controversial use of presidential signing statements that seek to ignore laws passed by Congress. And she worked in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel when it was harshly criticized for giving the president free rein to torture suspected terrorists, despite national and international laws banning the practice.
As a member of the Colorado Supreme Court, Allison Eid has a proven record of extreme conservative views that consistently reject civil rights and public interest claims.
The extreme views of all these candidates make them unqualified to serve on the federal bench, especially with a president in office who routinely flouts the rule of law.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202.478.6327.