Orrin Hatch: “It seems ironic to me that my colleagues are attacking Paul Cassell for having used yeoman efforts to uphold a Federal…”

“It seems ironic to me that my colleagues are attacking Paul Cassell for having used yeoman efforts to uphold a Federal statute that was passed by the Congress of the United States in 29 U.S.C. 3501 which basically said that voluntary confessions will be admitted into evidence if there is just a technical mistake. I have to say I believe that is ridiculous. I think he had every right to try to uphold that statute. Personally, I think he was right in his arguments, but the Supreme Court found otherwise. He made it very clear that that is the law now and he will abide by it. I also disagree with my colleagues who characterize him again as manipulating statistics and figures. There are people who disagree with Paul Cassell, as is the case in academia. He disagrees with them. But I happen to know this is one of the most honorable, honest people who lives in our society today. I personally don't appreciate his being treated this way. It pains me to hear my colleagues attacking Paul Cassell, one of the most stellar nominees this body has ever had the privilege of considering for confirmation to the district court bench. I have to say that, even before those disparaging remarks were made, it was already an embarrassment to me that the Judiciary Committee and Senate leadership have taken nearly a year--328 days to be exact--to bring Professor Cassell's nomination to a floor vote.”