Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told the country's largest lawyers' group that she hopes Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees can become more collegial.
Ginsburg recounted her own uncontroversial confirmation Monday during an address at the American Bar Association's annual meeting in San Francisco. Her nomination by President Bill Clinton was approved 96-3.
Votes on the last four nominees have been much closer, a departure from the tradition of giving the president wide deference on appointees.
Ginsburg said she hoped the Senate returns to the collegial ways enjoyed by her and Justice Stephen Breyer, who followed her to the bench.
The 77-year-old justice received the ABA Medal, the association's most prestigious award.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.