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September 12, 2005

It's all about the papers.

John Roberts' confirmation promises to be interesting, if only because of the lack of information we've been given.

One would think it would be common sense for the White House to release the papers Roberts wrote as principal deputy solicitor general. Roberts served in this position from 1989 to 1993.

But that's not the way this administration plays. We are supposed to take him at his word and not have full disclosure on his judicial record. Which is rather odd, considering the fact he's up for the Supreme Court.

These documents cover a pretty decent chunk of time. And we've got the right to know how he ruled on the cases presented to him during that time.

The documents offer a rare glimpse into a time in Roberts's life that has remained largely shrouded, on an issue that is likely to be central to next week's hearings: Roberts's civil rights record.

Under then-Solicitor General Kenneth W. Starr, Roberts tackled a host of controversial issues, questioning the legality of affirmative action programs and co-writing a brief arguing that Roe. v. Wade , the 1973 case that legalized abortion nationwide, should be overturned.

He's a candidate to serve on the highest court in the land, a lifetime appointment, and could have the power to influence laws and lives for twenty or thirty years.

We have a right to know about his record.

Posted by at September 12, 2005 07:20 PM