President Barack Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is "historic," since she would be the first Hispanic on the high court. However, I am alarmed that Obama lauded her "compassion" in her decision-making ("Obama picks Sotomayor for high court; would be first Latino justice," Tribune , May 27). In polite company, "compassion" is a kindhearted term; in legal circles it is synonymous with "biased."

My clearest reckoning of a justice's duties is to know the law, evaluate the constitutional soundness of a law and interpret all precedents prior to rendering judgment. I visualize the statue of the blindfolded Roman goddess "Lady Justice" with the balance scales being weighed evenly, denoting that justice should be equal and fair toward all.

Every person -- from the meek to the mighty -- should be given a fair shake. No one need be pitied; no one need be feared. Justice was blindfolded to ensure that "compassion" wouldn't affect the balancing of the scales. When a decision is rendered fairly, objectivity is seen by all.

I congratulate Sotomayor on her selection. I just hope that during her confirmation hearings she will describe what the scales of justice mean to her.

James A. Marples

Provo