I had the good fortune to begin my legal career as a law clerk for a judge who really epitomized open-mindedness and fairness. He read the record in detail in every single case that came before me; he insisted on scrupulously following precedents.
I’ve learned a lot during my years on the 3rd Circuit, particularly, I think, about the way in which a judge should go about the work of judging. I’ve learned by doing, by sitting on all of these cases. And I think I’ve also learned from the examples of some really remarkable colleagues.
Good judges develop certain habits of mind. One of those habits of mind is the habit of delaying reaching conclusions until everything has been considered.
It’s been a great honor for me to spend my career in public service.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has been a pioneer, and her dedicated service on the Supreme Court will never be forgotten. And the people of the country certainly owe her a great debt for the service that she has provided.
I am deeply honored to have been nominated for a position on the Supreme Court. And I an humbled to have been nominated for the seat that is now held by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
In southern Italy, where my grandparents had lived, there were few opportunities. The society was static, with rigid social classes. Poor people, like my grandparents, had little chance to improve their lives, no matter their talents or willingness to work.
I know that some poor immigrants from that era had unrealistic expectations and were disappointed, but I don’t think my grandparents were disappointed at all, even though they experienced some very hard times during the Great Depression.
When I was growing up, we always had a big family dinner at around noon on Sunday. I still love that whenever it is possible to gather the family together.
My grandparents came worked hard, and I believe they never regretted their decision to come here and make a new start.
I am especially indebted to a 10th grade English teacher who encouraged me to read great works of literature.
As I mentioned, things were particularly hard during the Depression. My paternal grandfather was frequently out of work, and the family was evicted from their home.
If you want know what sort of a justice I would make, then look at what sort of a judge I have been.
Many people have been positive influences in my life. My parents, whom I mentioned, were the most important, but many of my teachers were also a big help to me.
I learned that hard work and self-discipline can overcome many obstacles.
All of my grandparents came to the United States from Italy during the early years of the 20th century. I believe that my grandparents came here to take advantage of the opportunities furnished by a growing country with an open society.
My parents grew up in poor families where little English was spoken, they both went to college and became teachers. They believed that anything was possible with hard work, and they particularly stressed the importance of education. They instilled that same belief in my sister and me.
When I entered college, I thought that I wanted to be a lawyer, but by the time I was set to graduate, I was not too sure of that.
Part of me wanted to get a graduate degree in political science. Had I done that, I suppose I would have become a college professor.
I think that what my parents taught me about hard work, optimism and education still holds true.
The most important quality for a judge is open- mindedness to the arguments.