HRC's Criteria For Judges
What Makes a Fair-Minded Judge?
Only nominees who possess exceptional intellectual ability, distinguished experience in law, and a temperament that would enable them to make decisions fairly and with an open mind should be confirmed for lifetime appointments to the bench. HRC believes that an assessment of temperament worthy of lifetime appointments should include the following:
- demonstrated commitment to full equality under law for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans; individuals living with HIV and AIDS; women; people with disabilities and racial, ethnic, and religious minorities;
- demonstrated commitment to the constitutional right to privacy and individual liberty, including the right of two consenting adults to enter into consensual intimate relationships
- respect for the constitutional authority of Congress to promote equality and civil rights and provide statutory remedies for discrimination and violence;
- sophisticated understanding of and commitment to the separation of church and state and the protection of those citizens with minority religious views;
- respect for state legislatures' attempts to address discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity and other factors through carefully crafted legislation that meets the requirements of the Constitution.