The Senate Judiciary Committee held its third day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued their initial round of questioning with each member allotted 30 minutes to question the nominee.

In part 1 of 5, members focused on several issues including Judge Sotomayor’s judicial temperament, her views of diversity and civil rights issues, the role of the judiciary in interpreting law, Second Amendment rulings of the Supreme Court, and her statements in speeches to various groups outside the courtroom. Both Senators Cornyn and Coburn pressed her on her views on abortion. Senator Whitehouse engaged her in discussions of judicial interpretation and the role of the jury, as well as cases involving search and seizure, particularly in instances where new technology enhances law enforcement capabilities.