I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with.
Sonia SotomayorMy mom loved the book [My beloved world] and she said to me, 'I never knew you had done so much.'
Sonia SotomayorI don't stand by the understanding of that statement that I will ignore other facts or other experiences because I haven't had them. I do believe that life experiences are important to the process of judging - They help you to understand and listen - but that the law requires a result. And it would command you to the facts that are relevant to the disposition of the case.
Sonia SotomayorThe President [Barack Obama] had suggested that I not watch the news during the confirmation process. I assiduously followed his advice.
Sonia SotomayorPeople in some situations act worse than animals. You can't be a judge if you try to be a robot. Because then you're not going to be able to look at both sides, and hear both sides. At the same time, if you're being ruled by emotion, then you're not being fair and impartial.
Sonia SotomayorI want to state upfront, unequivocally and without doubt: I do not believe that any racial, ethnic or gender group has an advantage in sound judging. I do believe that every person has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences.
Sonia Sotomayor