Elrod Nomination Too Risky for Judiciary, American People

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on the nomination of Judge Jennifer Elrod to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and it is clear that she is not ready to be confirmed.   Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice, noted, "Judge Elrod's lack of experience, combined with her failure to provide meaningful answers, makes this nomination too risky for the judiciary and the American people." The Senate has a constitutional responsibility to closely scrutinize the nominees who come before them seeking a lifetime appointment to this court"

Judge Elrod, at age 41, has served only five years as a district judge in Harris County, Texas and has not written 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 Elrod 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 lawyers at the Department of Justice, particularly in the Civil Rights Department.  The Senate must fight back and make sure every nominee meets the high standards demanded to maintain an independent and fair judiciary."

The decisions made by Judge Elrod, if she is confirmed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, will have a direct impact on the lives of the American people – determining whether they can rely on a Constitutional right to privacy, whether they can depend on the government to protect their health and environment, and whether they will be protected from discriminatory actions.  Aron concluded, "The time is now to ensure that these rights and liberties are protected.  The Senate must not move forward with Judge Elrod's nomination until they learn the truth about her record and her legal views." 

Related Resources:

Alliance for Justice’s letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the nomination of Jennifer Elrod (pdf)