Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, used part of his time in Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing on March 22 to question the Supreme Court nominee on international law. Quoting Justice Stephen Breyer, for whom Jackson clerked, Grassley asked Jackson under what circumstances a judge should consider international law when interpreting the Constitution. Jackson was unequivocal in her answer.
“There are very, very few cases, I think, in which international law plays any role,” in judging at all, Jackson said, adding, “And certainly not in interpreting the Constitution.” Grassley asked further questions about international law, and Jackson remained steadfast, saying there were no constitutional rights or clauses that could be “properly illuminated” by any international law.
Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman on the high court. After opening statements from Jackson, her colleagues and the senators March 21, senators will spend two days questioning Jackson at length about her rulings and judicial philosophy. On the final day of the hearings March 24, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from friends and colleagues of Jackson about her temperament and approach to the law.
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