The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote Thursday on whether to advance Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate.

Judge Barrett’s answers to questions from Senators last week demonstrate her extensive knowledge of the law and our Constitution.

A few exchanges in particular reveal why she would be an important addition to the Supreme Court:

• Americans deserve an independent Court: “I believe Americans of all backgrounds deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written,” she said.

• The rule of law is sacred: Judge Barrett was asked why she accepted President Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court.

• “If we are to protect our institutions, and protect the freedoms, and protect the rule of law that’s the basis for the society and the freedom that we all enjoy—if we want that for our children and our children’s children—then we need to participate in that work.”

• Judges shouldn’t be pundits: During last week’s hearings, Senate Democrats tried to force Judge Barrett to share her personal political opinions.

• “I don’t think we want judges to be legal pundits. I think we want judges to approach cases thoughtfully, with an open mind,” she said.

• Decisions must be based in law: “When I write an opinion resolving a case, I read every word from the perspective of the losing party. I ask myself how I would view the decision if one of my children was the party that I was ruling against,” Judge Barrett said. “Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in law?”

• People of faith can serve: Democrats and leftwing pundits suggest that Judge Barrett can’t be impartial because of her deeply held Catholic faith. Sen. Lindsay Graham asked Barrett if she would be able to set aside any personal beliefs in deciding the cases that come before her.

• “I can. I have done that in my time on the Seventh Circuit,” she said. “If I stay on the Seventh Circuit, I’ll continue to do that. If I’m confirmed to the Supreme Court, I will do that still.”

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