The most popular programs for the Senate Committee - Courts & Judicial Process type. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?browse=format&id=52 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 25 May 2013 13:04:56 GMT Senate Committee - Courts & Judicial Process The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued their initial round of questioning with each member allotted 30 minutes to question the nominee. In part 1 of 5, members focused on several issues including Judge Sotomayor's judicial temperament, her views of diversity and civil rights issues, the role of the judiciary in interpreting law, Second Amendment rulings of the Supreme Court, and her statements in speeches to various groups outside the courtroom. Both Senators Cornyn and Coburn pressed her on her views on abortion. Senator Whitehouse engaged her in discussions of judicial interpretation and the role of the jury, as well as cases involving search and seizure, particularly in instances where new technology enhances law enforcement capabilities. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287723-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287723-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill on gun trafficking largely along party lines. The legislation would toughen penalties for those who buy guns for people who cannot legally own them. The Committee also began debate on an assault weapons ban bill offered by California Senator Dianne Feinstein. That measure was not expected to get any support from committee Republicans. Other measures scheduled for consideration included bills on background checks and school safety. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311364-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311364-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. Senators were allotted 30 minutes each in the second day of the first round of questioning. Part 1 contained questions by Senators Whitehouse, Klobuchar, Kaufman, and Franken. Senator Whitehouse addressed the role of the judge, judicial precedent, the ideologically-divided nature of the current Court, and findings of fact. Senator Klobuchar's questions covered judicial philosophy and the experiences Solicitor General Kagan would bring to the Court. Senator Kaufman asked about antitrust laws, results-oriented judging, punitive liabilities, and Justice Thurgood Marshall. Senator Franken focused on arbibration, and campaign finance and environmental law. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-2 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Committee members spoke about the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court and their opposition or support for her confirmation. Following their statements committee members voted 13 to 6 to recommend confirmation by the Senate. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was the only minority member to vote in favor of confirmation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288082-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288082-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The committee begins hearings on the nomination of Judge Robert Bork to be associate justice of the Supreme Court. Former President Ford, Senators Dole and Danforth, and Congressman Fish present Judge Bork to the committee during the first half hour. Opening statements follow, lasting approximately three hours. They center on the importance of the appointment and the Senate's role. Senator Biden and Judge Bork conclude this section, with their statements lasting 17 and 9 minutes respectively. Judge Bork uses the time to expound his legal philosophy. There are short breaks during the hearing. One break contains interviews outside the hearing room with Senators Dole and Heflin. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/994-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/994-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its fourth day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued their second round of questioning with each member allotted 20 minutes to question the nominee. Part 1 consisted of questions from Senators Kyl, Feinstein, Graham, Klobuchar, Cornyn, and Specter. Questions focused on a variety of issues including the application of court precedent, judicial impartiality and the role of personal experience in decision-making, same-sex marriage, the definition of "fundamental" rights, and the separation of powers. Additionally, Senator Klobuchar focused on cases involving child pornography and sexual abuse of children, and Senator Specter urged Judge Sotomayor to encourage television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings. Questioning continues on part 2. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justices Breyer and Scalia testified on the role of judges in the American republic and democratic systems within the U.S. Question topics included the politicization of the judicial confirmation process, cameras in the courtroom, the role of juries, and the 14th Amendment. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301909-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301909-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about the constitutionality of the 2010 health care law. The hearing took place two days after U.S. District Court judge Roger Vinson ruled the law was unconstitutional. It was the fourth federal district court to rule on the constitutionality of the law, with two courts upholding the law, and two courts finding parts or all of it unconstitutional. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297803-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297803-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its fourth day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued their second round of questioning with each member allotted 20 minutes to question the nominee. They also conducted a third round of 10 minute questioning for some members. Questions focused on a variety of topics including abortion, whether the right to bear arms was a "fundamental" right, and military law. This part completed the questioning of Judge Sotomayor. Subsequent parts consisted of panels representing both support and opposition for the nomination. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-101 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-101 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Members focused on Judge Sotomayor's experience as a trial lawyer and federal judge, as well as her judicial temperament and philosophy. They also outlined several areas that would be a focus of questioning including her statements about race and ethnicity. Part 1 of the hearing includes opening statements by Senators Leahy, Sessions, Kohl, Hatch, Feinstein, Grassley, Feingold, Kyl, Schumer, Graham, and Cardin. Opening statements continue on subsequent program parts. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287672-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287672-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the second round of questioning, senators were allotted 20 minutes each. Part 4 consisted of questions from Senators Whitehouse, Coburn, Klobuchar, and Franken. Question topics included judicial philosophy, the Commerce Clause, gun rights, Solicitor General Kagan's work in the Clinton administration, gender disparities, and antitrust law. In the third round of questions, Senators Sessions, Grassley, and Coburn focused on Judge Miguel Estrada (whose Court of Appeals nomination was filibustered in 2003 by Senate Democrats to prevent a final confirmation vote), military recruiting at Harvard Law, foreign law, same-sex marriage, original intent, and abortion law. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-5 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Advocates for and against stricter gun-control laws testified at a hearing on gun violence prevention. The hearing was held in part in reaction to the December 2012 elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head by a gunman at a 2011 event in her district, gave a brief statement at the opening of the hearing, urging Congress to come to a solution to prevent gun violence. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310644-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310644-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 1 contained questions by Senators Leahy, Sessions, Kohl, Hatch, and Feinstein. Senator Leahy asked Solicitor General Kagan to talk about the impact of her parents on her life, followed by questions on recusal decisions, gun control, and military recruiters on campus. Senator Sessions focused on constitutional principles and her decision to ban military recruiters from Harvard University during her tenure as dean of the Law School because of the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Senator Kohl's questions covered televising Supreme Court proceedings, constitutional interpretation, the confirmation process, and antitrust law. Senator Hatch asked the nominee about the First Amendment and campaign finance in relation to [Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]. Senator Feinstein focused on abortion law, executive power, and treatment of enemy combatants. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-2 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. Committee members began a second round of questioning with each member allotted 20 minutes to question the nominee. Part 2 consisted of questions from Senators Sessions, Hatch, Feinstein, Grassley, and Specter. Questions focused on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the Commerce Clause, campaign finance, abortion law, property rights, gun control, and same-sex marriage. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-3 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Attorney General Eric Holder testified at a Justice Department oversight hearing. Both Republicans and Democrats pressed Mr. Holder on a Justice Department memo regarding the use of drone strikes against American citizens suspected of being terrorists. He also answered questions about his written response to a March 4 letter from Senator Rand Paul. Senator Paul asked if the Obama administration believed the president has the legal authority to use drone strikes against American citizens on U.S. soil. Mr. Holder in the letter replied that in extreme circumstances such as the attack on Pearl Harbor or the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the president could conceivably have no other option but to authorize the use of drones. Other topics included gun violence reduction and assault weapons, and the impact of sequestration budget cuts on national security. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311311-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311311-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The committee heard testimony from University of Oklahoma Law Professor Anita Hill during the first day of the reopened confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Clarence Thomas. Professor Hill testified on her charges that she had been sexually harassed by Judge Thomas when he was her boss in the Department of Education and the EEOC in the early 1980's. Professor Hill, speaking in level, measured tones, told the committee of her career, her relationship with Judge Thomas, and the behavior of Judge Thomas toward her in the workplace. She said Judge Thomas often asked her for dates, which she turned down, and often instigated discussions of sexual matters which she refused to take part in. She said Judge Thomas explicitly discussed aspects of pornographic movies he had seen, and emphasized his own sexual prowess. Professor Hill said she attempted to avoid opportunities for extended conversations with Judge Thomas, but transferred with him to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission when he was promoted to head the agency because she had no alternative job. Committee members questioned Professor Hill on the substance of the incidents involving the sexual harassment charges, on her subsequent relationship to Judge Thomas after she left the EEOC, and her reasons and possible motives for stating the charges. Committee members specifically questioned Professor Hill on the graphic and explicit nature of the incidents of sexual harassment she charged against Judge Thomas. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/22097-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/22097-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 3 contained questions by Senators Grassley, Specter, Graham, and Schumer. Senator Grassley asked Solicitor General Kagan about a speech she made while dean of Harvard University Law School in which she called Israeli Judge Aharon Barak a "judicial hero." He also questioned her about her judicial philosophy, gun control, and foreign law. Senator Specter questioned her on judicial philosophy and independence, cameras in the Supreme Court, and campaign finance in relation to [Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]. Senator Graham focused on military commissions, Miranda rights, enemy combatants, and Judge Miguel Estrada (whose Court of Appeals nomination was filibustered in 2003 by Senate Democrats to prevent a final confirmation vote). Senator Schumer referenced her opening statement on "judicial modesty," as well as asking about judicial activism, her experience at Harvard Law School, and the [Citizens United] case. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-4 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 4 contained questions by Senators Cornyn and Durbin. Senator Cornyn focused on the Second Amendment, the role of the federal government, and Miguel Estrada (whose Court of Appeals nomination was filibustered in 2003 by Senate Democrats to prevent a final confirmation vote). Senator Durbin questioned her on mandatory sentences and disparities in crack and powder cocaine offender sentences. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-5 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 2 contained questions by Senators Kyl and Feingold. Senator Kyl asked Solicitor General Kagan about empathy, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and immigration law. Senator Feingold focused on campaign finance, executive power, gun control, and the Exxon Valdez case. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294264-3 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 2 contained questions by Senator Sessions and Senator Kohl. Senator Sessions focused on Judge Sotomayor's previous statements on the role of personal experience and beliefs in judicial decision-making, the impact of appellate court rulings on public policy, and her decision in the [Ricci v. DeStefano] case. Senator Kohl focused on various Supreme Court precedents, the doctrine of [Stare Decisis], privacy rights, and televising Supreme Court proceedings. In response to a question by Senator Sessions about a previous speech in which she said she hoped a wise Latina woman would make better decisions than a white male, she said that the inspirational speech "fell flat" and that she understood how her remarks could be viewed as derogatory. Further questioning continued on subsequent parts. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287701-101 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287701-101 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its second day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Judge Sotomayor responded to questions on several issues including her judicial philosophy and temperament, the role of empathy in judicial decision-making, her rulings in immigration cases, abortion, the death penalty, and other issues. Senator Graham in his questioning challenged Judge Sotomayer on her judicial temperament, indicating that there were several lawyers who found her demeanor on the bench to be "bullying" at times. In the first round of questioning, senators were allotted 30 minutes each. Part 5 continued the questioning beginning with questions from Senator Schumer and ending with Senator Durbin. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287701-104 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287701-104 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Attorney General Eric Holder testified at an oversight hearing. In his opening statement Mr. Holder addressed the controversy surrounding the Fast and Furious Operation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives program that allowed guns to "walk" across the U.S. border into Mexico in an effort to locate major weapons traffickers, rather than catching the low-level buyers. He said the program was "flawed," both in its conception and execution, "should have never happened," and would not happen again. He also said his department never knowingly provided false information to Congress about it. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/302569-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/302569-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The committee heard testimony from Supreme Court nominee and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Clarence Thomas on the second day of his reopened confirmation hearings. Committee members questioned Judge Thomas on the sexual harassment charges alleged against him by University of Oklahoma Law Professor Anita Hill dating to the time Professor Hill worked under Judge Thomas in the Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the early 1980s. Judge Thomas was questioned on his relationship with Professor Hill before and after her employment as his assistant. Senator Hatch proposed that Professor Hill created her charges from a civil rights case heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, and from the 1970s book [The Exorcist]. Judge Thomas repeated his denial of the charges put against him, and said the charges of sexual harassment were particularly painful when put against a black man as they reinforce social stereotypes against blacks. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/21978-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/21978-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Senators focused on her career, accomplishments, and academic background. Some members expressed concern at her lack of experience in the judiciary and practicing law, her decision to ban military recruiters from Harvard University during her tenure as dean of the Law School because of the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and her political views. Senators in their statements also praised the life and career of Senator Robert Byrd, who died earlier that morning. They also offered condolences to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, whose husband also passed away that day. Part 1 of the hearing includes opening statements by Senators Leahy, Sessions, Kohl, Hatch, Feinstein, Grassley, Feingold, Kyl, Specter, Graham, Schumer, Cornyn, Durbin, Coburn, and Cardin. Opening statements continue on subsequent program parts. See 294263-3 to view the remainder of opening statements and the introduction and opening statement of the nominee. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294263-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294263-2 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT A hearing was held on the nominations of Elena Kagan to be solicitor general of the U.S. Department of Justice and for Thomas J. Perrelli to be associate attorney general. They testified on a number of issues including the use of torture, Justice Department hiring and retention practices, and the powers of the executive branch of government. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283954-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283954-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about two competing bills designed to ensure the accuracy of convictions in which the death penalty was imposed. The proposed legislation focused on the use of DNA tests and on qualifications for public defenders in capital cases. Among the issues discussed were different approaches to the problem taken by several states, existing federal guidelines, and the level of competency among defense counsel. These hearings were held after renewed public debate on the death penalty and the release of a report showing 68 percent of death row convictions were eventually overturned. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157679-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157679-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing focusing on U.S. immigration policy. Among the topics she addressed were a planned review of deportation policies, transportation and airport security, border security, and cyber security. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/302173-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/302173-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Members focused on Judge Sotomayor's experience as a trial lawyer and federal judge, as well as her judicial temperament and philosophy. They also outlined several areas that would be a focus of questioning including her statements about race and ethnicity. In her testimony, Judge Sotomayor focused on her life and career, spoke about the significant influence her mother had on her success, and touched briefly on several cases she had heard as a judge. She said that she the role of a judge was to apply, not make, law and that her philosophy was "simple," "fidelity to the law." Part 4 consists of opening statements by Senators Klobuchar, Kaufman, Specter, and Franken, as well as introduction and statement of the nominee. Part 4 concludes Day 1 of opening statements. See 287672-1, 287672-101, 287672-102 and 287672-103 to view opening statements from earlier in the day. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287672-103 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287672-103 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Current and former Arizona state officials testified on the constitutionality of their state's immigration law and its impact on the state's Latino community. Following the end of the hearing, one of the witnesses, Russell Pearce, who was one of the chief author's of the law, spoke with reporters. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305622-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305622-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on defective products and corporate accountability. Lawyers for plaintiffs in liability lawsuits, consumer advocates, and manufacturing industry representatives testified about potential criminal penalties for corporations that produced dangerously defective products, current liability regulations, and appropriate consumer protections. Mr. Panish was lead counsel in a 1999 liability case against General Motors. John Engler is former governor of Michigan. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191555-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191555-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens, members and the nominee presented opening statements. Senators focused on her career, accomplishments, and academic background. Some members expressed concern at her lack of experience in the judiciary and practicing law, her decision to ban military recruiters from Harvard University during her tenure as dean of the Law School because of the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and her political views. Ms. Kagan spoke about her experience as a law clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall, arguing before the Supreme Court as solicitor general, and her teaching career. She vowed that if confirmed she would "consider every case impartially, modestly, with commitment to principle and in accordance with law." Senators and the nominee in their statements also praised the life and career of Senator Robert Byrd, who died earlier that morning. They also offered condolences to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, whose husband also passed away that day. Part 2 of the hearing includes opening statements by Senators Whitehouse, Klobuchar, Kaufman, and Franken, as well as introduction and statement of the nominee. See 294263-2 to view opening statements from earlier in the day. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294263-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294263-3 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Professor Goodwin Liu testified about his nomination to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Among the topics he addressed were interpreting the Constitution, judicial temperament, and the role of judges. Several Republican members asked pointed questions about his criticisms of Justices Roberts and Alito and supplemental information to his Senate questionnaire. Part 1 of 2. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293041-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293041-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice Scalia responded to questions from committee members about his views regarding such topics as federal-state relationships, the Constitution, death penalty, abortion, national security versus individual rights, original intent, independent agencies versus executive branch agencies, court disciplinary structure, legislative veto, bill history, economic deregulation, affirmative action, committee reports, and executive privilege. Full coverage of day 1. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/150300-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/150300-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Secretary Napolitano and Dr. Anne Schuchat testified about U.S. responses to H1N1 swine flu outbreak in Mexico and efforts to control the growing pandemic. Among the topics addressed were public health education, border security and the decision not to close the U.S.-Mexico border, the distribution of anti-viral drugs, and the process of developing a vaccine for the virus. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285578-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285578-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing on the appointment of Judge John Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated after the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Committee members made opening statements on their expectations for the hearings, Judge Roberts' qualifications, and those topics they intended to raise in questioning. Following members' opening statements Senators Lugar, Bayh and Warner introduced Judge Roberts to the committee. Judge Roberts then delivered an opening statement about the role of the judiciary and the rule of law in American government and society. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/188437-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/188437-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued a second round of questioning with each member allotted 20 minutes to question the nominee. Part 5 was the final portion of the day-long hearing with questions from Senators Feingold, Grassley and Cardin. Questions focused on campaign finance regulation, marriage equality and the Defense of Marriage Act, property rights, and First Amendment issues. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287723-105 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287723-105 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Secretary Janet Napolitano testified at an oversight hearing of the Department of Homeland Security. In her remarks and answers to questions she addressed a number of issues, including immigration, the issue of people who overstay their visas in the U.S. Secret Service conduct, and homegrown terrorism. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305606-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305606-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee continued to mark up gun control legislation. The committee passed the assault weapon ban bill out of committee, moving it to the Senate floor. Committee members also considered two judicial nominations, Kenneth John Gonzales to be U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico, and Jane Kelly to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311493-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311493-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about hate violence and violent extremism, as well as the threat posed by domestic extremists in the United States. The hearing was held after a violent attack on a Sikh temple which killed six members. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/308281-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/308281-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. In the second round of questioning, senators were allotted 20 minutes each. Part 3 consisted of questions from Senators Kyl, Graham, Cardin, and Cornyn. Questions focused on [habeas corpus] for enemy combatants, the Commerce Clause, same-sex marriage, abortion law, constitutional interpretation, foreign law and judicial philosophy. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294265-4 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Attorneys and victims of gun violence testified on proposals to reduce gun violence, such as universal background checks on gun buyers, banning assault weapons and limiting high capacity magazines. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310946-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310946-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified on racial profiling and state immigration laws in Alabama and Arizona, relations between law enforcement and African-Americans, as well as anti-terrorism efforts that target American Muslims. One of the witnesses was Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), who had introduced legislation called the 'End Racial Profiling Act'. Witnesses also talked about closing loopholes in the U.S. Department of Justice's racial profiling guidance, and the Justice Department Civil Rights Division's enforcement of federal civil rights laws to prevent profiling by state and local law enforcement agencies. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305489-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305489-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Legal experts testified about potential legal means to prosecute Wall Street brokers for fraud when they act against the interests of clients. Following their testimony, Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer testified about Justice Department operations and current Wall Street fraud cases. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293314-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293314-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Claude Lightfoot testified at the impeachment trial for New Orleans federal Judge Thomas Porteous for corruption and engaging in a kickback scheme with a Louisiana law firm. Congressmen Adam Schiff and Bob Goodlatte are the House impeachment managers. Jonathan Turley and Daniel O'Connor are Judge Porteus' attorneys. This was the third day of the trial. This segment began with a moment of silence in deference to the ceremony remembering September 11, 2001. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295487-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295487-4 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its fourth day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Members of the American Bar Association review panel testified about their rating of Judge Sotomayor, who had recieved their highest rating. They spoke about a number of topics including Judge Sotomayor's record on the bench, her judicial temperament, and methods of inquiry used during the course of the review. (Ms. Boies was briefly misidentified on air) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-102 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287762-102 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about proposed legislation to require the Supreme Court to permit video recording and broadcast of all open court proceedings. The bill provided that justices could disallow cameras in the courtroom when questions of due process were at issue. Senators voted 11-7 to allow the legislation to move forward. Senators Grassley and Cornyn voted with Democrats to allow cameras, while Senator Feinstein voted with Republicans to not force the Court to allow cameras. In her remarks she said, "I vote no, because the Court does not want this. We should not tell the Supreme Court what to do." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304338-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304338-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee held its fourth day of hearings on the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. Witnesses called by both the majority and minority members testified about their impressions of Solicitor General Kagan, her record, and their views of her qualifications for a place on the Supreme Court. Witnesses addressed a number of issues including civil rights, gun control, abortion, campaign finance, military recruiting, and Solicitor General Kagan's temperament. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294266-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294266-2 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Durbin and Grassley mandating the Supreme Court televise its open proceedings. Proponents of the bill said it would enhance accountability, transparency and public understanding of the judicial system. Opponents said it would only tempt attorneys to play to the cameras, allow video clips to be taken out of context, and possibly mislead the public. Following the hearing, Subcommittee Chair Klobuchar spoke to reporters. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/303028-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/303028-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Eric Holder testified at an oversight hearing. Much of the hearing focused on national security leaks and the government's "Fast and Furious" operation aimed at arresting members of drug cartels. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) said the attorney general should resign over his handling of the operation and his decision to appoint U.S. attorneys to investigate the alleged leaks. Attorney General Holder said he wanted to sit down with congressional investigators and find a way to avoid a contempt citation related to "Fast and Furious." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/306537-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/306537-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Military and policy experts testified on the the constitutional and statutory authority for targeted killings with aerial drones of American terrorist suspects overseas. In his opening remarks, Yemini youth activist Farea Al-Muslimi talked about the drone strike that hit his village in Yemen to kill a suspected terrorist, which also caused many civilian casualties. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312317-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312317-1 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT