The first full day of questions for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson opened with some very big ones — on judicial philosophy, terrorism and race.
Senators asked Tuesday about her approach to the law, her views on “court packing” and her response to claims by Republican senators that she is soft on crime — in particular, too lenient in sentencing child pornography offenders.
Jackson forcefully defended her record as a federal judge and told senators she will rule “from a position of neutrality” if she is confirmed as the first Black woman on the high court. In what one senator described as “a trial by ordeal,” Jackson answered questions right off the bat that attempted to deflect GOP concerns and also highlight the empathetic style that she has frequently described.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee's line of questioniong is below:
Missed the hearing's opening remarks? Watch video from day 1 | Read Ketanji Brown Jackson's statement at her Supreme Court confirmation hearing
More from NPR: Get a recap of all the updates from the first day of the hearings
