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By Marshall Manson Posted in Roberts — Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Just got this statement from the Family Research Council:

FRC Applauds John Roberts' Roe v. Wade Response
September 13, 2005

Washington, D.C. - Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Family Research Council's Senior Legal Fellow and former Chief Counsel to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, released the following statement today at a Capitol Hill news conference sponsored by "Women for Roberts."

"Judge John Roberts is to be congratulated on a masterful beginning to his week of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Under tough questioning from Republicans and Democrats, Judge Roberts showed the world why he has the makings of an exemplary Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

"I served formerly as the Chief Counsel to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution and I was particularly impressed with how clearly and eloquently Judge Roberts articulated the appropriate role of the judiciary within the Constitutional framework of separation of powers. This morning's testimony can be used in law school classes on how to understand constitutional issues and the role of the judiciary in our system of government.

"On several occasions Judge Roberts quite properly refused to answer questions calling him to pre-judge possible future cases. Specifically we were pleased with Judge Roberts' answers about Roe v. Wade. Judge Roberts refused to give hints or projections about how he might evaluate a future abortion case before the Court, but carefully stated what the law is on the matter of stare decisis and repeatedly pledged to follow the rule of law. Also, in questions about the issue of privacy, Judge Roberts explained that the Constitution in numerous areas addresses protections for privacy.

"Unfortunately, Judge Roberts' religion has already been brought up on this first day of hearings. Judge Roberts testified that nothing in his personal views based on faith or other sources would prevent him from applying the law faithfully. This should be the end of the matter, for any interrogation into Judge Roberts' faith would be tantamount to an unconstitutional religious test."