“IT’S ABOUT TIME”

AFJ statement on confirmation of Patty Shwartz to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals

WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 9, 2013: Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron issued the following statement in response to the vote by the Senate to confirm Judge Patty Shwartz for the United States Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.

The response of Alliance for Justice can be boiled down to three words: "It's about time."

Patty Schwartz has been an outstanding magistrate judge; she is held in the highest esteem by the New Jersey bar. She never should have had to wait more than 500 days for this vote. More important, those seeking justice from the Third Circuit never should have had to wait more than 500 days for a full complement of judges.

What happened today must become the rule, not the exception. From now on, all highly-qualified nominees need to be given prompt up-or-down votes by the full Senate.

###

Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. Through our justice programs, we lead the progressive community in the fight for a fair judiciary, and through our advocacy programs, we help nonprofits and foundations to realize their advocacy potential.