Sotomayor Inspired By TV Lawyer

During her confirmation hearing Wednesday, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor tells Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) that the television show Perry Mason inspired her to become a prosecutor. She describes one episode in which the prosecutor says their job is to "do justice and justice is served when a guilty man is convicted and an innocent man is not." She says she thought the idea of serving in that role was quite amazing. (0:54)
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Specter: "I'd Like To See The Court Televised"

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.) reflects on the media's overwhelming presence during Judge Sonia Sotomayor's first day of confirmation hearings. Specter insists that the increased attention on Supreme Court nominations suggests a growing popular interest in Court affairs. Consequently, Specter asks SCOTUS justices, and Sotomayor if she is confirmed, to consider allowing television networks into the Supreme Court. (0:45)
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Klobuchar Defends Sotomayor's Background And Experience

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) praises the diversity of the Judicial Committee, of which she is a member, and uses her personal experience to draw a parallel with the importance of including men and women from different backgrounds and experiences in the Supreme Court to ensure that a decision is taken based on different points of view. (0:36)
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Franken Calls For Judicial Restraint At Sotomayor Hearing

Newly sworn in Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) warns against the dangers of judicial activism during his introductory remarks during Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings on Monday. Franken suggests that in his opinion, the Supreme Court may have recently crossed its role with that of legislative branch in Congress. (0:29)
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SCOTUSblog Founder Tom Goldstein Discusses "Poisonous" Atmosphere of Court Nominations

Supreme Court nominations have become increasingly contentious in recent years. It seems that no matter how qualified a nominee is, he or she is going to face a passionate confirmation battle. Supreme Court expert Tom Goldstein joins TRNS Legal Affairs Correspondent Matthew S. Schwartz to discuss what he calls the "poisonous" atmosphere of Court nominations. Goldstein, a partner with Akin Gump, is a Supreme Court litigator, lecturer at Harvard and Stanford law schools, and founder of SCOTUSblog, a popular Web site focused on Supreme Court issues.

(13:08)
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Hillary Clinton will pursue women's rights as Secretary of State

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), President Elect Obama's Secretary of State nominee, stated during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that she will use her role as Secretary of State to defend the rights of women (0:42).
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