Goodwin Liu Shows Amazing Cool

This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing for Professor Goodwin Liu, nominated for a seat on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The hearing was originally set for March 10th, but was postponed twice due to GOP opposition. The stall tactics are part of a pattern of obstruction by Republicans to slow the pace of judicial confirmations.

Liu, age 39, is Associate Dean and Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall). He possesses sterling academic and professional credentials. An acclaimed scholar, teacher, and lawyer, Liu is widely considered one of the brightest legal minds of his generation. The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary unanimously gave Liu its highest rating of “well qualified.”

He handled criticism about his record and qualifications with grace at this mornings hearing. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who chaired today's proceedings praised him saying, "you've got amazing cool."

His academic and professional record indicates that he will approach cases with an open mind, and consider the law and facts carefully before ruling. He has spent his career advocating for the right of equal justice for all, not a select, privileged few. Given Liu’s outstanding qualifications, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate should allow no further delays to the consideration of Liu’s nomination. Read our recently released report on Liu here: http://www.afj.org/check-the-facts/nominees/goodwin-liu-report-final.pdf