Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke before Politics Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class Wednesday. Alito discussed the different aspects of his job, including the nomination and confirmation processes, and also answered questions from the audience.
Sabato noted the historical significance of Alito's visit to the lecture class.
"One thing I want to point out," Sabato said "is that this is apparently the only undergraduate class addressed by a Supreme Court Justice in modern time. I'm glad that the undergraduates at U.Va. had this unique opportunity."
In his speech, Alito narrowed his duties as a justice to five categories: deciding which cases to consider, determining which cases to hear in court, hearing oral arguments, making a final decision and finally writing the actual opinion.
Alito then discussed the politics of the nomination process.
He described the interview process as being composed of "murder boards" whose jobs are "to be as nasty as they can" to uncover as much as possible about the candidate.
Despite the rigorous nomination process, Alito said he agrees with Sabato's assessment of American politics.
"I know the motto of this course is 'politics is a good thing,' and now that this [nomination] process is over, I agree," Alito said.
Alito then opened the floor for a question-and-answer session where he answered questions ranging from the modern politicization of the nomination process to the "personal dynamic among the judges" behind closed doors.
In response to a question concerning female representation on the Supreme Court, Alito responded optimistically.
"I believe that half the Court will be women in the future," he said, noting that at least 50 percent of students entering law school now are women.
When asked if being a justice is the best job in the world, Alito responded with a smile.
"It certainly is one of the greatest [jobs], even if it is not the commissioner of baseball. Other than that, it is."
Following the question-and-answer session and a standing ovation, Alito greeted students, shaking hands, posing for pictures and signing a few pocket Constitutions.
First-year College student Greg Mikulka said he enjoyed the lecture.
"Justice Alito did a wonderful job," he said. "He addressed the class' questions very well and provided great insight into the Supreme Court. You read ... the textbook but you can only learn so much"
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