The Justice Dept. and Judicial Nominations Question

[Eric J in MN]

Quotes via Liberal Oasis.

An article noted about Bush's Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito:

A Knight Ridder review of Alito's 311 published opinions on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals - each of singular legal or public policy importance - found a clear pattern. Although Alito's opinions are rarely written with obvious ideology, he's seldom sided with a criminal defendant, a foreign national facing deportation, an employee alleging discrimination or consumers suing big businesses.

John Nowacki, senior counsel in the Justice Department's Office of Public Affairs, responded "This outcome-based analysis is inapplicable and unfair to judges."

Should the Justice Department be commenting on judicial nominations at all?

Under Clinton, did the Justice Department comment on judicial nominations?

[spindrifter]

1. That is a very interesting qs.

I would think that a response from a law school professor would be much more valuable that one coming from an office that has something to gain down the line from making a supportive, self-serving remark. I am not aware of DOJ vetting judicial appointments (officially).

[Eric J in MN]

2. Anyone know? (nt)

nt