ABA Gives Roberts Highest Ranking

Late yesterday afternoon, the American Bar Association (ABA) issued its ranking of John Roberts.  The ABA panel evaluating Judge Robertss qualifications to serve as a judge awarded him a well qualified, which is their highest ranking.  This review is based on comments from other lawyers, investigations done by the ABA, and questionnaires submitted to judges.  Senator Schumer has previously said that the ABAs well qualified ranking is the gold standard for judicial nominations.  However, at the same time the ABA issued its highest ranking for John Roberts, Senators Kennedy and Leahy continued to question Robertss qualifications.  These attempts, which some have labeled smear and fear techniques, are not being received well by the American people.  The support for John Roberts continues to build as confirmation hearings are set to begin September 6^th.

 

Earlier this week, the White House released a series of papers held by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library concerning Judge John Roberts.  The papers released were written during the time when Judge Roberts served as Associate White House Counsel.   Regarding the issue of a recent Supreme Court case that prohibited silent prayer in Alabama, John Roberts wrote that any suggestion that the Constitution prohibits such a moment of silent reflectionor even silent prayerseems indefensible.

 

The documents underscore the fact that the Supreme Court nominee embraces a conservative philosophy on issues ranging from abortion to school prayer.  The documents revealed that Roberts did not believe voluntary silent prayer in public schools was unconstitutional; that a memorial service for aborted fetuses was an entirely appropriate means of calling attention to the abortion tragedy; and that abortion clinic violence was unacceptable in a letter he drafted for the White House in 1986 saying those who resort to violence . . . are criminals.  The letter undercuts a false assertion made by NARAL in a television ad linking Roberts to abortion clinic violence an ad that NARAL pulled after universal criticism that the claims made were false.

 

The documents show that John Roberts has maintained a consistent conservative judicial philosophy that dates back to early in his career. His service during the Reagan Administration shows a skilled attorney not afraid to tackle the thorny issues of the day, approaching those issues with clarity and conviction always exercising a judicial philosophy that centers on interpreting the Constitution, not re-writing it.  John Roberts has a record of accomplishment and a keen understanding of the proper role of the judiciary.  John Roberts proved to be a forceful advocate for the Reagan Administration, especially on policies such as abortion, school prayer, and criminal justice.  He will make an outstanding Supreme Court Justice, and we look forward to the confirmation hearings.