Sonia Sotomayor – A Judge’s Life Experience Does Matter

After much ado about nothing Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed! It’s amazing to me the short memories people have. I’m sure Ms. Sonia Sotomayor will never live down the “wise Latina” comment. You don’t have to go too far back in American juris prudence to see that personal life experiences influenced judges from the supreme court on down.

The best example of this was the 67 page opinion written by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney at the conclusion of the Dred Scott decision of 1857. His racist rant boiled down to the simple fact that, “a black man had no rights a white man was bound to respect.” And that,” African Americans were of an inferior order unfit to associate with the white race.[sic]” Justice Taney’s life experience as a slave owner obviously came into play. How could it not given the tenor of the time?

Look at jury nullification in the south! All white juries routinely screwed black defendants for centuries! Judged by a jury of your peers? Come on! Now that someone of color has been appointed we’re having a national meltdown over her wise Latina comment?

If Blacks and Latino’s can endure the inequity that existed for so long we should be able toughen up a little and embrace this positive change. In the history of the Supreme Court there have been 101 justices all have been white males with the exception of two! Wouldn’t you say it’s time that the court reflects America?

OK, her wise Latina comment was a faux pas, I’ll give you that. However, it pales in comparison to the sanctioned racism by our own government that existed for years. It hasn’t been that long since we abolished the apartheid system that legally existed in our country for most of its history.

Congratulations Justice Sonia Sotomayor I know you will do a fine job. By all means allow your life experiences to help guide you in your decision making process. God speed!