WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham questions Jackson in Supreme Court confirmation hearings

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., questioned Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the Senate Judiciary Committee continued its Supreme Court confirmation hearings on March 22.

Graham asked her about her personal faith — Jackson identifies as a non-denominational Protestant — and asked if she could “fairly judge a Catholic.” Jackson responded affirmatively, but declined to directly answer Graham’s question about the details of her personal practice, citing the importance of ensuring the public has “confidence in [her] ability to separate out [her] personal views.”
Graham also asked if she considered her work as a public defender “rewarding.” Jackson responded affirmatively.

“I did. Because public service is very important to me. It is an important family value. It is something that — now — I’ve dedicated my career to,” Jackson said. She affirmed that she believes it’s a “core constitutional value” that everyone can be represented in the legal system.

Graham asked if Jackson believes that 9/11 was “an act of war,” and she responded affirmatively. He cited her work as a public defender representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay, and made a point about the recidivism rate of former detainees — a figure that was challenged by committee chair Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., based on a 2020 report.

Graham also questioned Jackson about multiple amicus briefs she worked on regarding the executive branch’s ability to hold an enemy combatant indefinitely.

“Respectfully, Senator, when you are an attorney and you have clients that come to you — whether they pay or not — you represent their positions before the court,” Jackson said.

In response to a question from Graham about her judicial philosophy, Jackson said that the methodology she uses in her cases ensures that she rules impartially and consistently with the limitations on her authority as a judge.

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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