Judge Jackson Defended The Constitution In Guantanamo Bay Cases 

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 22, 2022 – During today’s confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham asked Judge Jackson extensively about her representation of Guantanamo Bay detainees. After opening by noting that Judge Jackson was only performing her job as an associate federal public defender by representing these detainees, Senator Graham repeatedly objected to her advocacy on behalf of their habeas rights and unlawful detainment. She stood by her obligation to represent her clients to the best of her ability. After Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin corrected Graham on Guantanamo recidivism rates and noted the other burdens of its operation, Graham stormed out of the chamber. 

Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement: 

“It’s astonishing to hear senators objecting to Judge Jackson performing at a high level for all of her clients, no matter their background. Even though she had a brother serving in Iraq at the time, she joined hundreds of other distinguished members of the Bar in providing representation because that is what her profession required.  That is what we expect of the Bar and those who serve the public as lawyers: zealous representation for all those who require it.”