Haynes Nomination Too Risky for Judiciary, American People

February 21, 2008, Washington, DC—Today's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of Judge Catharina Haynes to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals demonstrated that she is not ready to serve on the federal bench and should not be confirmed by the Senate. Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice, noted, "Judge Haynes' lack of experience, combined with her failure to provide meaningful answers during today's hearing, makes this nomination too risky for the judiciary and the American people. A nominee for a seat on a federal appeals court must have a record of excellence in the law, impeccable integrity, and a deep commitment to equal justice for all.  Judge Haynes does not satisfy this standard." 

Judge Haynes, at age 45, has served as a Texas state court judge. During that time, she did not write even one legal opinion.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has been given no information that would shine a light on the judicial philosophy she will bring to the bench.

"It is unclear why Judge Haynes was appointed for the second highest court in the land other than her ties to the Republican party," Aron said. "Since coming into office, the Bush administration has consistently pursued a strategy to politicize our justice system, jeopardizing the rights and liberties of the American people through the appointment of U.S. attorneys, federal judges, immigration judges and the hiring of lawyers at the Department of Justice.  The Senate must fight back and make sure every nominee meets the high standards required to maintain an independent and fair judiciary."

The decisions made by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals directly impact on the lives of millions of Americans in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. "This court has been subject to systematic partisan engineering by ultraconservatives," noted Aron. "This once-venerated court now is one to be avoided for those asserting their civil rights, raising sexual harassment claims or challenging death penalty sentences," Aron continued. George W. Bush has already appointed six people to the Fifth Circuit, including five lifetime appointees, almost 1/3 of that bench. Judge Haynes, if confirmed, would fill the final vacancy on this bench and could serve for decades.

Aron concluded, "The time is now to ensure that Americans' rights and liberties are protected.  The Senate must not be complicit in President Bush's courtpacking plan and must not move forward with Judge Haynes' nomination."

» Read AFJ's Letter to the Judiciary Committee on the Haynes Nomination
» Read Fact Sheet for More Information on the Fifth Circuit