Courtroom Diversity Orders From 2020 Probed by GOP Senators

Two Republican senators are probing a trio of orders issued by three Illinois federal judges indicating they would be more likely to grant oral argument if the arguing attorney is newer, a woman, or a person of color.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Kennedy (R-La.), both members of the Judiciary Committee that oversees judicial nominations, said the three standing orders, which were issued in 2020, are “unethical and unconstitutional,” and asked the chief judge of the circuit overseeing those trial courts for more information.

The contested orders, each titled “Increasing Opportunities for Courtroom Advocacy,” state that once a motion ...