(CNN) Judge Amy Coney Barrett submitted written responses to scores of questions from Senate Judiciary Committee members Tuesday night ahead of her expected confirmation to the Supreme Court next week. In response to a question from Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, mirroring a contentious moment during the hearings, Barrett again declined to say whether she believes "systemic racism" does or does not exist. "I believe that racism persists in our country but, as I explained at the hearing, whether there is 'systemic racism' is a public policy question of substantial controversy, as evidenced by the disagreement among Senators on this very question during the hearing," Barrett wrote. "As a sitting judge and judicial nominee, it would be inappropriate for me to offer an opinion on the matter." Barrett does not offer specific answers to questions, citing the possibility of ongoing litigation and that some queries raised public policy controversies or "abstract legal issues or hypotheticals."

Source: CNN October 21, 2020 03:21 UTC