Sotomayor's Speech Was What You Would Expect

Jillian Bandes | July 13, 2009 3:06 PM

Sotomayor's opening remarks were unremarkable. She vowed "fidelity to the law," and claimed that "the task of a judge is not to make law, it is to apply the law." While this is in direct contrast to her earlier comments that the court "makes law," it's not surprising that she changed her tune. And she directly addressed the concerns about impartiality:

My personal and professional experiences help me to listen and understand, with the law always commanding the result in every case.

Earlier, she said "in each case I have heard, I have applied the law to the facts at hand." She also said that she used the "rule of law, and faith in the impartiality of our judicial system" to rule her judgement. Other notable quotes:

"I've felt the pain and suffering of families."

"I saw and learned the tough job law enforcement has in protecting the public."

"I seek always to serve the larger interest of impartial justice."

The Senate Judiciary Committee took a recess from the hearings until 9:30AM tomorrow, when all the good stuff starts. She'll start taking questions, and there will be witness testimony.