Information About the Nomination of Duncan Getchell to the Fourth Circuit
The Alliance for Justice has released a preliminary report on the nomination of Duncan Getchell to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. AFJ writes:
No nominee comes to the Senate Judiciary Committee with a presumption of confirmation. As committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) himself has stated, the Senate’s constitutional “advice and consent” role is a serious responsibility, by which “those 100 of us privileged to serve in the Senate are entrusted with protecting the rights of 280 million of our fellow citizens.” Therefore, the committee must thoroughly review each nomination in order to uphold the integrity of this constitutional duty.
Virginia Senators Warner and Webb considered and rejected E. Duncan Getchell for appointment to the Fourth Circuit. He has authored no published articles or speeches that shed light on his judicial philosophy. His long substantial litigation experience advocating on behalf of powerful corporate interests coupled with his actions in joining and remaining a member of the Commonwealth Club of Richmond, notorious for its past record of white-only membership and its current policy of men-only membership, and his dismissive treatment of caricatures of Native Americans strongly suggest a nominee who will not be dedicated to equal justice for all.
The White House has summarized Judge Getchell's qualifications, including:
Duncan Getchell, of Richmond, Virginia, is a highly accomplished and well-respected appellate lawyer who has litigated a wide range of cases at every level in state and federal courts.
Mr. Getchell has an outstanding record as a practicing attorney, particularly at the appellate level, and as a public servant.
Duncan Getchell is widely respected and recommended by Virginia lawyers.