Divided on Alito

Samuel Alito was an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law. On January 12, 2006, six Seton Hall Law professors wrote in a Star-Ledger essay recommending that Samuel Alito not be confirmed to the Supreme Court. On January 23, 2006, seven other Seton Hall Law professors responded in support of Alito.

The first group expressed its concern that Alito would continue to champion the rich and powerful at the expense of those most in need of the law’s protection. The second group felt that Alito had demonstrated a “respect for the law, for the litigants and for the judicial process, rather than ideology.”

I have insider information that the first group consists of what one might consider left leaning individuals while the second group comprises, shall we say, slightly more straight laced academic types.

After reviewing Alito’s record, I find it hard to believe that respect for the law and judicial process always led to a similar conclusion. Whether Alito realizes it or not, his ideology drives his decisions. The statistics make that obvious. What is unclear is whether his intellect and honesty, both of which are beyond question, will force him to temper its influence once he's on the high court.

Alito will be confirmed this week. Let’s hope we don’t all live to regret that, but to be honest with you, I have a bad feeling about this.