The Senate Judiciary Committee held its fourth day of hearings on the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by the retirement of Justice David Souter. Committee members continued their second round of questioning with each member allotted 20 minutes to question the nominee.

Part 1 consisted of questions from Senators Kyl, Feinstein, Graham, Klobuchar, Cornyn, and Specter. Questions focused on a variety of issues including the application of court precedent, judicial impartiality and the role of personal experience in decision-making, same-sex marriage, the definition of “fundamental” rights, and the separation of powers. Additionally, Senator Klobuchar focused on cases involving child pornography and sexual abuse of children, and Senator Specter urged Judge Sotomayor to encourage television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings.

Questioning continues on part 2.