Alan Simpson: “Mr. President, Justice Barkett and I had a long visit in my office to discuss some of her cases, as well as her…”

“Mr. President, Justice Barkett and I had a long visit in my office to discuss some of her cases, as well as her background and qualifications for the circuit court of appeals position to which she has been nominated. It was a very good visit. I was very impressed by her as a person, and I enjoyed very much my time with her. We discussed a few of Justice Barkett's more controversial cases, and she explained her position and the reasons for her decisions or dissents. I thought that was very important. Mr. President, in most cases she attributed the controversy over her decisions to the critics lack of understanding of 'capital punishment jurisprudence.' Justice Barkett pointed out that the Supreme Court requires justice's 'to look behind every case--considering aggravating factors as well as mitigating factors.' That is indeed the law of the land, but I do not agree with Justice Barkett's application of that law in certain cases during the years she has served on the Supreme Court of Florida. Mr. President, I want to point out here that Justice Barkett obviously has the legal and judicial experience for the Federal bench, and I have no doubt that her judicial temperament is fully acceptable and appropriate.”