Two nominees to federal appellate courts—both of whom bring criminal defense experience— appeared Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, where they answered questions about their approach to judicial review and the issues they may face on the appellate bench.
U.S. District Judge Sarah Merriam of the District of Connecticut has been nominated to the Second Circuit, and Rhode Island Public Defender Lara Montecalvo has been nominated to the First Circuit.
Lara E. Montecalvo testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the First Circuit Court of Appeals, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM