by Amanda J. Raines and Paul J. Fishman
During his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Judge Garland skillfully avoided taking firm positions on a variety of topics—which made his statements regarding criminal justice reform and the effect of systemic racism and implicit bias in the justice system particularly notable. Criminal justice reform came up several times, specifically in questions by Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Pat Leahy (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Tom Cotton (R-AK), and John Kennedy (R-LA). In each instance, Judge Garland was unequivocal that the issue is a priority for him and the President.