In the first day of hearings on the appointment of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens, members and the nominee presented opening statements.
Senators focused on her career, accomplishments, and academic background. Some members expressed concern at her lack of experience in the judiciary and practicing law, her decision to ban military recruiters from Harvard University during her tenure as dean of the Law School because of the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and her political views.
Keywords
Courts & Judicial Process, Supreme Court Appointments, Elena Kagan