Modern Supreme Court Nominees Quizzed on More Topics

The United States Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh continued Wednesday, the second day of a four-day event. Some of the issues Kavanaugh will be quizzed on include, reproductive rights, executive power, consumer issues, and impeachment. On Wednesday 70 protestors were arrested during the proceedings due to disruption. Protestors are vocalizing fears that Kavanaugh will roll back reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights based on his previous record as a federal judge.

Supreme Court hearings became public in the 1940’s, and senators have grilled nominees on a wider variety of issues as time has progressed. Nominees, like Charles Whittaker, Robert Jackson, and Abe Fortas, who came before the Senate in the middle of the 20th century were questioned on 3 different topics at most, while a majority of sitting judges were questioned on over 20 topics. Kavanaugh’s proceedings have become hyper-politicized and the nominee is expected to be questioned on many topics as the proceedings move forward.