Bob Dole: “Last Friday, I outlined some of my views on the issue of judicial nominations, one of the most lasting legacies of any…”

“Last Friday, I outlined some of my views on the issue of judicial nominations, one of the most lasting legacies of any President. I said that Federal judges should respect the clear language of the Constitution as it is written; that judges should understand that society is not to blame for crime, criminals are; that judges should protect the rights of crime victims, not invent new and more expansive rights for criminal defendants. Today, let me make another point: Those who seek to sit on the Federal bench should be well-grounded in the basics of constitutional law. Unfortunately, Charles ``Bud'' Stack, one of President Clinton's nominees to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, does not meet this standard. During his recent confirmation hearing, Mr. Stack was unable to cite any fourth amendment case concerning the law of search and seizure. He demonstrated little knowledge about Supreme Court precedent on capital punishment. And despite the Supreme Court's highly publicized decision in the Adarand case, Mr. Stack was unable to discuss any Supreme Court or Federal case concerning discrimination or affirmative action.”