Bork Statement: ‘Philosophy of Role of Judge
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After committee members made their opening statements, Judge Robert H. Bork was given time to make his own. Following are excerpts, as recorded by The New York Times: After committee members made their opening statements, Judge Robert H. Bork was given time to make his own. Following are excerpts, as recorded by The New York Times: I want to begin by thanking the President for placing my name in nomination for this most important position. I am flattered and humbled to have been selected. If confirmed, I assure the Senate that I will approach the enormous task energetically and enthusiastically and will endeavor to the best of my ability to live up to the confidence placed in me… As you have said, quite correctly Mr. Chairman, and as others have said here today, this is, in large measure, a discussion of judicial philosophy. And I want to make a few remarks at the outset on that subject of central interest, that is my understanding of how a judge should go about his or her work. That may also be described as my philosophy of the role of a judge in a constitutional democracy. The judge’s authority derives entirely from the fact that he is applying the law and not his personal values. That is why the American public accepts the decisions of its courts, accepts even decisions that nullify the laws a majority of the electorate or of their representatives voted for. No One Can Be Above the Law More : query.nytimes.com |