NPR

5 Insights Into Judge Neil Gorsuch After 2nd Day Of Confirmation Hearings

Everything from originalism to mutton-busting was fodder as the Supreme Court nominee took questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

After a day of statements, Tuesday's Supreme Court confirmation hearing was all about answers. Judge Neil Gorsuch was careful in his responses to Senate Judiciary Committee members, but there were still a number of insights that marked the day. Read our full Day 2 coverage here. These are five highlights:

1. Judicial independence

Gorsuch says he will be . Senators have repeatedly questioned the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion, "." And asked point-blank by Republican Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley if he would have any trouble ruling against "the president who appointed you," Gorsuch called it a "," adding he would have no difficulty ruling for or against anyone.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
After Two Boeing 737 Max Crashes, Families Are Still Seeking Answers From DOJ
More than five years after two 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people, families of the victims are still pushing the Justice Department to hold Boeing accountable. They're frustrated by the response.
NPR2 min readInternational Relations
PEN America Cancels Awards Ceremony After Writers Protest
PEN America has cancelled its annual Literary Awards ceremony after nearly half of the authors nominated withdrew in protest over the organization's response to the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza.
NPR4 min readInternational Relations
An American Hostage Is Seen Alive For The First Time Since Oct. 7 In A Hamas Video
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who turned 24 last month while in captivity, has spent more than 200 days in captivity. His left arm was partially blown off by a grenade during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7.

Related Books & Audiobooks