The committee begins hearings on the nomination of Judge Robert Bork to be associate justice of the Supreme Court. Former President Ford, Senators Dole and Danforth, and Congressman Fish present Judge Bork to the committee during the first half hour.
Opening statements follow, lasting approximately three hours. They center on the importance of the appointment and the Senate’s role. Senator Biden and Judge Bork conclude this section, with their
statements lasting 17 and 9 minutes respectively. Judge Bork uses the time to expound his legal philosophy.
There are short breaks during the hearing. One break contains interviews outside the hearing room with Senators Dole and Heflin.