Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on March 23 explained the importance of due process for all people accused of committing crimes. Jackson said that it’s not only necessary because it is a right afforded to people by the U.S. Constitution, but also because it is a key measure to prevent government overreach.
“We have many, many amendments that are designed to make sure that unpopular people, people who are accused of doing terrible things, are still treated fairly by the government. And that’s a limitation on government power, which is the framework of our Constitution. It is about limiting government overreach,” Jackson said in response to a line of questioning by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. about the role of a judge in weighing all arguments being presented in their courtroom.
It was senators’ final day to question Jackson, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman on the high court. On the final day of the hearings March 24, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from friends and colleagues of Jackson about her temperament and approach to the law.
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