Donald Trump federal judge nominee is asked basic legal questions and can’t answer a single one
Matthew Spencer Petersen admits he has never tried a criminal or civil case under questioning from senators
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of Donald Trump’s nominees to become a federal judge has failed to answer a string of basic questions about law.
Matthew Spencer Petersen admitted he was unfamiliar with several common legal terms during questioning by Republican Senator John Kennedy at a hearing earlier this week.
Mr Petersen, a member of the Federal Election Commission, had been selected by the President to become a federal judge on the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
However, he admitted during questioning that he had never tried a criminal or civil trial.
Video of the hearing posted to Twitter by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, showed Mr Peterson failing to explain basic legal terms such as “motion in limine” - a request filed by a party to a lawsuit which asks the court for an order or ruling limiting or preventing certain evidence from being presented by the other side at the trial of the case.
Mr Petersen attempted to defend his poor knowledge of terminology to senators.
He told the hearing: “My background is not in litigation. I understand the challenge ahead of me if I were fortunate enough to become a district court judge. I understand that the path that many successful district court judges have taken has been a different one than I have taken.”
Senator Kennedy responded: “I have read your resume. Just for the record, do you know what a motion in limine is?
Mr Peterson replied: “I would probably not be able to give you a good definition.”
President Trump has already been forced to withdraw another judicial nominee this week amid concerns over his lack of experience.
Brett Talley, who was being lined up for a lifetime Alabama federal judgeship, had never tried a case and had only been practicing law for three years.
Mr Talley had been described by the American Bar Association as “not qualified” and drew criticism for failing to disclose he was married to a White House lawyer when asked about potential conflicts of interest.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments