So this is what disqualifies a judge from the federal bench —
A judge’s elevation to the federal bench could be derailed because she helped preside over a commitment ceremony for a lesbian couple four years ago.
Republican Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas has placed a hold on the nomination of Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Janet T. Neff, saying her presence at the 2002 Massachusetts ceremony raises questions about her judicial philosophy.
“It seems to speak about her view of judicial activism,” Brownback said yesterday. “It’s something I want to inquire of her further.”
There’s that political cliche again — judicial activism. In other words, you’re an activist if your rulings don’t reinforce certain prejudices.
