ACLJ Calls on Senate to Confirm Judge Southwick to Federal Appeals Court
by Staff
August 3, 2007
(Washington, DC) -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, today called on the U.S. Senate to quit playing politics with a federal appeals court nominee and confirm the nomination of Judge Leslie H. Southwick. President Bush has nominated Southwick for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit but his nomination has been targeted by obstructionists who are attempting to derail the nomination.
"Once again, the decision to politicize a federal appeals court nominee is taking precedence over filling a very crucial seat on one of the nation's most important appeals courts," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. "Judge Southwick has had a distinguished legal and military career. A long-time member of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, Judge Southwick put his own career aside and took a military leave of absence to serve our nation in Iraq.
The American Bar Association has rated Judge Southwick 'well qualified' - the ABA's highest ranking. It's time to stop playing politics with this nomination. Judge Southwick is an extremely well qualified nominee with extensive legal experience who will not legislate from the bench and is dedicated to upholding the rule of law. Judge Southwick should be confirmed without delay."
You can read the ACLJ analysis of Judge Southwick at www.aclj.org/media/pdf/LeslieSouthwickMemo_07242007.pdf
Under the direction of Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice has been working to ensure that judicial nominees receive fair treatment during the confirmation process and are afforded up-or-down votes in the U.S. Senate.
The ACLJ specializes in constitutional law and through its global affiliates works to protect religious freedom and liberty in more than 36 countries worldwide. The ACLJ is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
