Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees in Judiciary Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Jennifer Sung, nominated to be a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, about her background and experience as a member of Oregon’s Employment Relations Board.

“You have been an appointed member of the Oregon Employment Relations Board since 2017…of the approximately 200 matters you have presided over, you have ruled in favor in some instances for employers and in other instances for employees. As a member of that Board, you analyze the record and case law and try to be a neutral adjudicator. You also work with your fellow Board members to reach a consensus and to collaborate on draft language for an order that all three of you can support. What have you learned from that experience that will serve you as a judge on the Ninth Circuit?”  Durbin asked.

Sung responded by stating her experience on the Oregon Employment Relations Board has deepened her appreciation for collegiality. She said she worked hard to reach consensus decisions when possible and that the vast majority of the Board’s decisions are unanimous.

Durbin then asked Justice Beth Robinson, nominated to be a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, about the importance of impartiality while serving as a judge. 

“You’ve been on the Vermont Supreme Court for 10 years. Before that, in your private practice you were a policy advocate. So obviously, we’d like to hear your comments about how those policy positions and your advocacy might impact your impartiality as a judge?”Durbin asked.

Justice Robinson responded by stating her responsibility as an advocate was to the interests of her clients. But when she transitioned to be a judge, her duty and commitment was to the law without regard to any of the particular interests of past clients or her own personal beliefs.

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

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