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Monday, June 28, 2010

Kagan Hearing Begins Today

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee begins its hearing on the nomination of Elena Kagan, President Obama’s choice to replace Associate Justice John Paul Stevens. Things kick off at 12:30 pm this afternoon, and all eyes will be on the confirmation hearing of this exceptionally qualified woman who, if confirmed, will be the third woman on the current court and join Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.

On Friday, we released our comprehensive report on Elena Kagan's record. There will be very little questioning of former Solicitor General Elena Kagan on the first day of the hearing. The bulk of the day will be devoted to opening statements from each and every senator on the committee. All 19 of them. Each will have 10 minutes to speak, in order of seniority alternating between Democrats and Republicans.

After the senators have their chance in the spotlight, we expect Elena Kagan to enter the limelight at around three or four this afternoon. Be ready for when she raises her hand to be sworn in: every camera in the hearing room will be going off, creating a blinding array of flashes and a cacophony of shutters closing.

Elena Kagan was a professor at the University of Chicago, the Dean at Harvard Law School, worked in the Clinton administration, and most recently as the Solicitor General under the Obama administration, however, she has never been a judge. Despite all of her admired achievements, Republicans are still harping on her lack of experience. With that said there is likely to be a large amount of questioning about her time as Dean and her work in the Clinton administration.

We’ll be bringing you commentary every step of the way; Follow AFJ President Nan Aron on Twitter and check back here regularly for updates. For more about Elena Kagan, please see our Supreme Court Watch page.

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