Senate Judiciary ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) just ended his opening remarks, in which he layed out his reasoning for questioning Sonia Sotomayor's judicial philosophy.

"Judge Sotomayor, we are inquiring into how your philosophy -- which allows for subjectivity in the courtroom -- affects your decision-making," Sessions said, citing specific case examples when she ruled on abortion, gun control, private property and capital punishment. Sessions also noted the Ricci case, in which he said her ruling was prejudiced against the white petitioners.

Sessions said he wants Americans to ask the following when the Sotomayor hearings conclude: "If I must one day go to court, what kind of judge do I wish to hear my case. Do I want a judge that allows his or her social, political or religous views to change the outcome. Or do I want a judge that impartially applies the law to the facts, and fairly rules on the merits without bias or prejudice. It's our job to determine which side of that fundamental divide the nominee stands."