Bipartisan spirit

Ginsburg calls for return of 'bipartisan spirit' to judicial confirmations

By MEL LEONOR

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Monday called for a return to the “bipartisan spirit” that used to prevail in Congress during judicial confirmations — and characterized the lack of it a “threat” to the federal courts.

Ginsburg’s remarks came as she accepted the Henry J. Friendly Medal during an event hosted by the American Law Institute.

“My hope is that one fine day, Congress will return to the bipartisan spirit that prevailed for my nomination,” and that of Justices Antonin Scalia and Stephen Breyer, she said. The late Scalia was confirmed unanimously by the Senate, Ginsburg was confirmed by a vote of 96-3, while Breyer was confirmed by a vote of 80-10.

“Such a return would enable our Congress to engage in lawmaking for the good of all the people the law should exist to serve,” she added.

The newest member of the court, Neil Gorsuch, was only confirmed after the Senate eliminated the 60-vote filibuster for high court nominees last year. And Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley earlier this month encouraged Supreme Court justices flirting with retirement to immediately step down, as he warned that the midterm elections could make it more difficult for President Donald Trump to get his next nominee confirmed.

Ginsburg on Monday became only the 16th judge to receive the medal for “contributions to the law.” Chief Justice John Roberts presented the award, saying the associate justice “makes all of us better at our common calling.”

The Friendly Medal has been awarded to one other Supreme Court justice — Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who accepted the award in 2011. Only 14 others have received the award since it was first presented in 1987.

During her remarks, Ginsburg, also joked about her popularity among young people. “RBG” — a documentary about Ginsburg — recently opened in movie theaters across the country.

“It is amazing that at my advanced age, 85, so many people want to take a picture with me,” she said to laughter. “Even tattoos bear my name and face.”