NOTE: In an article published by the New York Times, evaluations of Judge Brett Kavanaugh by his former law students reveal his strengths as a professor and provide insight into his constitutionally-focused legal philosophy.
“Over the last decade, about 350 law students at Harvard, Yale and Georgetown expressed views on classes offered by Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. With rare exceptions, they praised his mastery of legal materials, intellectual rigor, fair-mindedness and accessibility.”
Kavanaugh was hired as a Samuel Williston Lecturer in Law at Harvard Law School in 2009 by former Harvard Law School Dean and current Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan.
“…on the whole, in 12 sets of evaluations spanning 700 pages, there was almost only glowing praise for Judge Kavanaugh’s teaching. More than a few students said he was the most impressive law school professor they had encountered.”
The article documents various student evaluations that commented on Judge Kavanaugh’s ability to focus on the law and leave his personal political beliefs at the door.
“‘While most of the class shared rather conservative views,’ the student wrote, ‘the judge presented the other side quite well, even though he likely shared most of those conservative views.’ The student added that ‘many of the HLS professors could learn from his acceptance of views across the political spectrum.’”
Following Kavanaugh’s nomination, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, applauded the nomination, saying in part, “Judge Kavanaugh is one of the most qualified Supreme Court nominees to come before the Senate,” and that Kavanaugh is a “superb” candidate worthy of the Senate’s consideration.
Grassley recently met with Kavanaugh to discuss his credentials and the Senate confirmation process.
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