Today, the Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court 53-47. Here’s our statement:
“If there’s one thing Americans must take note of today it’s this: elections matter. The Senate just voted to confirm someone whose decisions will impact American law and culture for years to come. And it must not be lost today that every vote in favor of Judge Jackson was made by someone elected by the people of his or her state – and someone who must answer to that same electorate.
“Americans must hold our U.S. Senators accountable in the upcoming election to ensure pro-life and pro-family governance at all levels. We call on Americans to fully engage from the top of the ballot to the bottom in these upcoming elections to protect our God-given and constitutional freedoms for future generations.”
While Judge Jackson is highly credentialed, her statements both recent and past have raised concerns about how she will rule in the nation’s highest court and how her decisions will affect women, children, and the rights of everyday Americans.
Here are our top 5 concerns about Judge Jackson:
- Judge Jackson believes abortion is a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment.
When asked about 14th Amendment protections, Judge Jackson’s answer included, “In Roe v. Wade… and Planned Parenthood v. Casey…the Supreme Court recognized a right to abortion subject to limitations articulated.” - Judge Jackson said she does not know when life begins, or if preborn children feel pain.
“When does life begin, in your opinion?” –Sen. Kennedy, LA
“Senator, I don’t know.” –Judge Jackson
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“Can an unborn child feel pain at 20 weeks in the birthing process?” –Sen. Graham, SC
“Senator, I don’t know.” –Judge Jackson - Judge Jackson’s previous rulings on child pornography cases raise grave concerns.
In every child pornography case in which Jackson had discretion, she sentenced below the minimum recommendation of the federal sentencing guidelines. - Judge Jackson could not define a woman.
Can you provide the definition of the word, ‘woman’?” –Sen. Blackburn, TN
“I can’t. Not in this context. I’m not a biologist.” –Judge Jackson
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“Do you agree with Justice Ginsburg that there are physical differences between men and women that are enduring?” –Sen. Blackburn, TN
“Senator, respectfully, I’m not familiar with that particular quote or case, so it’s hard for me to comment whether or not.” –Judge Jackson - Judge Jackson would not say whether individuals have natural rights.
When asked, “Do you hold a position on whether individuals possess natural rights, yes or no?” Judge Jackson answered, “I do not hold a position on whether individuals possess natural rights.”
When Judge Jackson sits on the Supreme Court, she will be bringing with her deeply concerning perspectives on key issues like life, biological sex, and more.
Her confirmation is a critical reminder of why elections matter. Family Policy Alliance is committed to engaging in federal and state elections to ensure pro-life and pro-family governance across the nation. As America prepares for the upcoming November election, we welcome you to partner with us.
Today, America was reminded that elections matter. This fall, let’s act on that conviction.
Sincerely,
Nicole Hudgens
Government Affairs
Recently, Congress passed the large omnibus spending bill.
- The Good News: Pro-life Hyde protections remain in important federal spending provisions.
- The Bad News: Harmful provisions under the Violence Against Women Act remained.
Speaking of women, a current U.S. Supreme Court nominee is having a hard time defining what a woman is.
This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings for the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Judge Jackson certainly holds high credentials. However, her answers during the nomination hearings raise concerns on how she will rule as a Justice of the nation’s highest Court. Here are some notable exchanges and information related to this week’s nomination hearings:
What is a woman?
“Can you provide the definition of the word, ‘woman’?” –Sen. Blackburn, TN
“I can’t. Not in this context. I’m not a biologist.” –Judge Jackson
“Do you agree with Justice Ginsburg that there are physical differences between men and women that are enduring?” –Sen. Blackburn, TN
“Senator, respectfully, I’m not familiar with that particular quote or case, so it’s hard for me to comment whether or not.” –Judge Jackson
Should life be protected?
“When does life begin, in your opinion?” –Sen. Kennedy, LA
“Senator, I don’t know.” –Judge Jackson
“Can an unborn child feel pain at 20 weeks in the birthing process?” –Sen. Graham, SC
“Senator, I don’t know.” –Judge Jackson
How should child pornography be punished?
Sen. Hawley (MO) raised multiple questions related to cases in which Judge Jackson provided lenient rulings on child pornography cases.
Sen. Hawley pointed out that in all child pornography cases in which she had discretion, Judge Jackson “sentenced below the guidelines and below the government’s recommendations.”
In one case, United States v. Hawkins, an 18-year-old uploaded 17 videos and 16 images of child pornography, including an 11-year-old committing a sexual act and being sexually assaulted by an adult male, as well as videos of multiple other minors videoed committing sexual acts.
The federal sentencing guidelines recommended 97 months, up to 10 years.
The “liberal” prosecutor asked for 2 years.
Judge Jackson issued a sentence of 3 months.
Judge Jackson’s response included that she “takes these cases very seriously” and that “sentencing is a discretionary act of a judge…on an individualized basis.”
Judge Jackson has previously argued in a paper at Harvard Law School that the judicial system is “unfair” to sexual predators and questioned whether they should even be imprisoned.
What is Marriage?
When Sen. Cornyn (TX) asked about the infamous Obergefell marriage case’s creation of conflict between religious beliefs and law:
Judge Jackson stated she would not be able to comment as these issues were making their way through the courts.
Note: When previously questioned on rights “not expressly enumerated in the Constitution,” Judge Jackson stated “Obergefell v. Hodges…affirms a constitutional right to marry.”
The nomination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice reminds us of the impact nine lifetime appointments can have on each of our lives and the lives of future generations. Cases related to life, marriage, religious liberty, free speech, and more are decided by the individuals confirmed to the nation’s highest Court. It is truly a sobering moment, and a strong reminder that elections have consequences that will impact generations.
Our team will keep you updated as the nomination process continues.
For Family and Freedom,
Nicole Hudgens
Government Affairs