Waggonner said that his fellow Louisianan exhibited the "highest degree of judicial excellence."

The normal model for a Supreme Court nominee is a judge, usually from a federal appeals court, who has served long enough to develop and demonstrate judicial excellence.

Judge Newman wrote, he explained, out of his concern for national unity and judicial excellence.

By 1818 he showed "the highest judicial excellence", although he was criticised for snapping at boring barristers and for taking the government's side in prosecutions.

For decades John Stevens did more than follow standards of judicial excellence.

The Republicans did not expect to do more than rough Mr. Morrissey up and claim the high ground of judicial excellence.

Mr. Thomas should never have been confirmed not only because of Ms. Hill's allegations but also because of his core beliefs and lack of judicial excellence.

The award is presented annually to a state court judge who exemplifies the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness, and professional ethics.

Here we are talking about excellence - judicial excellence, and the highest degree of qualification based on excellence, to be on the Court.

"We are eager to continue to respond effectively to your legislative initiatives and to our own responsibilities for judicial excellence," the Chief Justice told the legislators.