Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination let her try the burglar on a number of crimes in one case. Leahy also gave Sotomayor the opportunity to explain her ruling in the "Ricci" case, which the Supreme Court overturned after a ruling by a panel of which she was a member. Sotomayor stated that the ruling was based on precedent, and that it would have come out differently in light of the standard subsequently established by the Supreme Court on appeal. Ranking Republican Jeff Sessions (R-AL) then began questioning, and notably referenced her "" remark. Sotomayor stated that it was "meant to inspire" young people of Latino
Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination no speech can fully capture my joy in this moment." Sotomayor was formally invested in the Court on September 8, 2009, in a special session. Former President George H. W. Bush defended Sotomayor and blasted former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh for accusing her of being racist, calling it "not fair" and "not right". Bush also lauded Sotomayor for her "distinguished record on the bench" and stated that she was entitled to a fair hearing. Former First Lady Laura Bush stated that Sotomayor was an "interesting pick" and believes that Sotomayor is a