Alliance for Justice Statement on the Nomination of Jennifer Elrod to the Fifth Circuit

Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice, expressed disappointment following the voice vote by the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to favorably send to the Senate floor for further consideration the nomination of Judge Jennifer Elrod to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

"By her own admission, Jennifer Elrod has never written a judicial opinion.  She obfuscated when asked about her views on important issues of constitutional law, and she refused to provide the committee with copies or descriptions of speeches she gave to Republican clubs and organizations during her partisan state judicial campaign." 

Eleven of the fourteen seats on the Fifth Circuit are currently held by Republican appointed judges, including three George W. Bush appointees – Priscilla Owen, Edith Brown Clement and Edward Prado. In fact, 11 of the 13 circuit court of appeals currently have a majority of Republican-appointees.

"Confirmation of Judge Elrod, who has failed to provide documentation of her judicial philosophy, fairness, or independence, would further jeopardize the administration of justice in an area of the country that contains the highest percentage of minority residents and is notorious for its hostility to civil rights and equal justice under the law," Aron concluded.