President Obama Selects First Hispanic Nominee to High Court

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Supreme Court Nomination Process Lesson Plan

After weeks of interviews and research, President Obama announced today that he has selected Judge Sonia Sotomayor for his nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

Sotomayor, a judge on the 2nd District Court of Appeals, would be the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice if her nomination is confirmed by the United States Senate. She was first nominated to be a judge by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and nominated to her current post by President Bill Clinton in 1998.

Supreme Court justice nominations are one of the most important decisions a president can make because these justices examine the most important legal issues in the country and serve on the court for life, or until they decide to retire. By picking justices, a president can leave a legacy that will outlive his or her time in office.

In this video, President Obama announces his choice and Judge Sotomayor makes a few comments about her selection.

Quotes

"And when Sonia Sotomayor ascends those marble steps to assume her seat on the highest court of the land, America will have taken another important step towards realizing the ideal that is etched above its entrance: Equal justice under the law." – President Obama

"It is a daunting feeling to be here. Eleven years ago, during my confirmation process for appointment to the Second Circuit, I was given a private tour of the White House. It was an overwhelming experience for a kid from the South Bronx. Never in my wildest childhood imaginings did I ever envision that moment, let alone did I ever dream that I would live this moment." - Sonya Sotomayor

Warm Up Questions

1. What is the Supreme Court?

2. What does a judge do?

Discussion Questions

1. Judge Sotomayor is the first Hispanic person nominated to be a Supreme Court Justice. Is that important to you? Why or why not?

2. Why is the Supreme Court so important?

3. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why do you think that rule was made? Do you think it makes sense?

4. Why do politicians fight over which judges become Supreme Court justices? Why do politicians insist on "impartial" judge selections? Can judges really be impartial?

Comments

Posted:
06/ 1/09 at
02:58 PM

James Vincent : PBS has been pretty balanced on this but much other media has sound bited extracts from what she actually said,or had decided in various cases. My problem is that I feel the Media becomes an environment where nominees, not just SCOTUS are effectively in some cases Guilty ( unfit) or innocent( appropriate) before the Senate who should do that work have actually even met. I say let the senate committee do thier job, and you the media quote peole only in context or fully or not at all plus the loud mouthed Limbaugh or Gingrich opponents comments and Pro supporters on the democratic side. But stop playing Judge and Jury. The law/constitution of America is the Senate investigates and questions and then votes.

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Posted:
06/ 1/09 at
02:58 PM

James Vincent : PBS has been pretty balanced on this but much other media has sound bited extracts from what she actually said,or had decided in various cases. My problem is that I feel the Media becomes an environment where nominees, not just SCOTUS are effectively in some cases Guilty ( unfit) or innocent( appropriate) before the Senate who should do that work have actually even met. I say let the senate committee do thier job, and you the media quote peole only in context or fully or not at all plus the loud mouthed Limbaugh or Gingrich opponents comments and Pro supporters on the democratic side. But stop playing Judge and Jury. The law/constitution of America is the Senate investigates and questions and then votes.