Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Confirmation of Paul Watford to Ninth Circuit

Washington, D.C. – Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued this statement following yesterday’s confirmation of Judge Paul Watford to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit:

“The Leadership Conference applauds the confirmation of Paul Watford to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Watford’s stellar background, keen intellect, commitment to fairness, and utmost respect for the Constitution and the rule of law will make him an extraordinary judge for a court that is grossly understaffed.

The Ninth Circuit is now left with two judicial emergencies and is reeling from 14,000 pending cases, nearly three times that of the next busiest circuit. Watford will help relieve this caseload and bring a high degree of distinction to the court.  He has demonstrated that he will take a highly thoughtful approach to difficult issues, carefully analyzing all sides of arguments, and reaching conclusions based on well-established law rather than political ideology.

It should also be noted that Watford is now one of only two African Americans on this court of 29 judges. Despite the blind obstruction that has slowed the process, his confirmation continues the important strides made under the Obama administration in nominating diverse candidates to the federal bench.

While The Leadership Conference is not likely to agree in every case with the positions that he will take, we have no doubt that he will ensure that litigants before him will feel certain, regardless of the outcome, that they were given a fair day in court.”

Nancy Zirkin is executive vice president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.