The Reform movement is backing a pick for the federal appellate court caught in a tug of war between Republicans and Democrats over his liberal views.
Republicans in the Senate have delayed the nomination of Goodwin Liu, a U.C. Berkeley law professor, to the S.F.-based Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit because of his tough criticism of “originalism” and his backing of abortion rights. Originalism is a school of thought that says the interpretation of a constitution should be consistent with what was meant and intended by those who drafted and ratified it, rather than imposing new interpretations foreign to the original intention of the authors.
“The Jewish tradition teaches the importance of fair, just, and impartial courts,” the Religious Action Center wrote last week in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsing Liu, 39. “Prof. Liu’s keen intellect, thoughtful approach to constitutional questions, and commitment to public service make him a terrific nominee to the 9th Circuit.”
Some prominent conservatives also have backed Liu’s nomination, noting his dissent in testimony and public statements from liberal orthodoxies on gay marriage and on charter schools.
A committee vote for Liu was scheduled for May 13. — jta