Someone must be listed first: The New York Times offers “Blogger Reaction to the Alito Hearings.”

“Same Difference — The key question for Alito: Why do the nominee’s legal conclusions so closely track his political convictions?” Law Professor Cass R. Sunstein has this essay online at The New Republic.

Today at National Review Online, Ramesh Ponnuru has an essay entitled “Executive Disservice: Fabrications about Judge Alito’s record.” And Kate O’Beirne has an essay entitled “Senator Not-Everywoman: Whatever she tells you during the Alito hearings, Dianne Feinstein is not the embodiment of American women’s attitudes.”

At Salon.com, Michael Scherer has an essay entitled “Alito, you’re no John Roberts: In the first day of his confirmation hearings, Samuel Alito displayed none of the dexterity and charm of Bush’s newly minted chief justice — and may face a rougher ride later this week.”

And online at The Nation, Bruce Shapiro has an essay entitled “Alito Almanac: Biography as Destiny.” And John Nichols’s “The Online Beat” offers a post titled “Senators Sould Press Alito on Bush v. Gore.”

The Sacramento Bee is reporting: Today’s newspaper contains articles headlined “Alito says he has no agenda; High court nominee stresses his humble roots as hearings open” and “Bill to delay executions faces first hurdle today; Assembly committee will consider bid for three-year moratorium.”

Today’s U.S. Supreme Court rulings in argued cases: At “SCOTUSblog,” Lyle Denniston has a post titled “Court rules on state immunity, 2 other issues.”

And Gina Holland of The Associated Press reports that “Supreme Court Sides With Ga. Inmate.”

Today the Court issued opinions in the following cases: (1) United States v. Georgia, No. 04-1203 (Justice Antonin Scalia for a unanimous Court; concurring opinion by Justice John Paul Stevens, in which Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined); (2) Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. v. Reeder-Simco GMC, Inc., No. 04-905 (Justice Ginsburg for the Court; dissenting opinion by Justice Stevens, in which Justice Clarence Thomas joined); and (3) Evans v. Chavis, No. 04-721 (Justice Stephen G. Breyer for the Court; opinion concurring in the judgment by Justice Stevens).

“Ruling targets lawyers using deceptive ads; The state Supreme Court says attorneys are not exempt from the Colorado Consumer Protection Act”: This article appears today in The Denver Post.

And The Rocky Mountain News today contains an article headlined “A twist for ‘Strong Arm’: Suit reinstated; Court backs consumer in ad case against Azar firm.”

You can access yesterday’s ruling of the Supreme Court of Colorado at this link.

“Court upholds drug dealer’s sentence; 10th Circuit finds that Angelos’ 55-year term isn’t disproportionate”: The Deseret Morning News contains this article today.

And The Denver Post reports today that “Court lets 55-year drug-gun sentence stand.”

And Law Professor Doug Berman, at his “Sentencing Law and Policy” blog, has a post titled “Tenth Circuit affirms 55-year mandatory minimum sentence in Angelos.” You can access yesterday’s ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit at this link.

“Flowers’ suit against Clinton figures denied”: This article appears today in The San Francisco Chronicle.

Claire Cooper, legal affairs writer for The Sacramento Bee, reports that “Appeals court rebuffs Flowers.”

And The Associated Press reports that “Appeals Court Dismisses Flowers’ Lawsuit.”

Yesterday’s non-precedential ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit can be accessed here.

“Alito Faces First Confirmation Questions”: Jesse J. Holland of The Associated Press provides this report.

Day two of the confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito, Jr. is now underway: Click here to watch in RealPlayer via C-SPAN. The committee’s live video feed is here (RealPlayer). And National Public Radio is streaming online live audio coverage at this link (RealPlayer).

The Washington Post provides live blogging here. The New York Times provides live blogging here. And “SCOTUSblog” is also live-blogging the hearing.

“Alito Tries to Defuse Doubts; Bush’s nominee says he’s not bound by ideology, but Democrats promise sharp questions for the man who could tip the high court’s balance”: Maura Reynolds and David G. Savage have this article today in The Los Angeles Times.

Today in The Chicago Tribune, Jan Crawford Greenburg has an article headlined “Alito: ‘A judge can’t have any agenda’; No one is above or below the law, nominee says in opening remarks.” And Jill Zuckman reports that “Democrats under pressure to show aggressive stance; Liberal groups say some went easy on Roberts, White House.”

In USA Today, Kathy Kiely and Joan Biskupic report that “Alito vows not to bring agenda to high court; Battle over Bush nominee begins in Senate hearings.”

In The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Michael McGough reports that “Alito says he has no agenda; Senate begins questioning of Supreme Court nominee.”

The New York Sun reports that “Alito Hearing Could Be Most Partisan in Decades.”

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that “Alito hearings focus on executive power in wartime; Both parties have questions — judge says no one is above the law.” And Bob Egelko reports that “Bush not there, but central in hearings; Senators and legal experts look at his increased power during war on terror.”

The San Jose Mercury News reports that “Confirmation hearings begin for court nominee; Democrats fear Alito will bring shift to right.”

The Orange County Register reports that “Lines drawn on Alito.”

The Arizona Republic reports that “Alito hears senators’ concerns; O’Connor legacy raised by many.”

Newsday reports that “Alito plays up humble roots.”

The Denver Post contains an article headlined “Alito: Rule of law is key; The Supreme Court nominee spoke after senators spent four hours outlining their top issues; Questioning will begin today.”

The Charlotte Observer reports that “Graham says abortion just 1 issue; Senator warns he may switch course and vote to take away filibuster.”

The Baltimore Sun reports that “Supreme Court nominee vows to keep open mind; Bush choice says he would treat rich and poor alike; senators raise issues of abortion, presidential power.”

The Boston Globe reports that “Alito tells panel he has no agenda; Several senators strongly critical.” And Charlie Savage reports that “Schumer questions nominee’s theory on executive role.”

The Deseret Morning News contains an article headlined “Alito hearing — And now, the questions; Proceeding to shift from statements to give and take.”

The Houston Chronicle reports that “Alito vows no ‘agenda’; As senators test Bush’s high court nominee, their questions break along party lines.”

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that “Tough questions await, Alito told; South Floridians weigh in on Supreme Court nominee.”

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that “In hearing, Cornyn full of praise for nominee.”

The Cincinnati Enquirer contains an article headlined “I like your style, DeWine tells nominee.”

The Dayton Daily News reports that “DeWine says courts have usurped authority.”

The Oklahoman reports that “Coburn uses hearings to send abortion message.”

The Des Moines Register reports that “Grassley praises Alito, his record.”

The New York Daily News contains an article headlined “Alito bit of GOP love.”

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that “Abortion sides in valley differ over Alito.”

The Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger contains articles headlined “Alito makes case for seat on high court; Jerseyan stresses roots and ‘solemn obligation’ to rule of law” and “Nominee awaits as hearings begin.”

The Washington Times contains articles headlined “Alito vows equal justice for all“; “Democrats dig into Alito’s opinions on guns, race“; and “Gloves are off in Alito hearings, metaphorically speaking.”

The Washington Post contains an article headlined “Sen. Arlen Specter, Back in Top Form; Judiciary Chairman Kicks Off Alito Hearings.”

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that “Lines drawn at Alito hearing; Abortion, executive power are expected to be the hot issues.”

The Virginian-Pilot reports that “Va. senators considered shoo-ins for Alito vote.”

The Bergen (N.J.) Record reports that “Alito gets mixed welcome.”

The Yale Daily News reports that “Law faculty react to Alito.”

The Red and Black reports that “Professors say Alito likely to be confirmed.”

The Toronto Globe and Mail reports that “Judge can’t have ‘agenda,’ Alito says at hearings; Democrats say they’ll question top-court nominee about abortion, presidential powers.”

And The Toronto Star reports that “Battle lines drawn over nominee for U.S. top court; Alito says no one `is above the law’; Faces questions on abortion, powers.”

Henry Weinstein is reporting: Today in The Los Angeles Times, he has articles headlined “Moratorium on Executions Is Urged; Author of state’s death penalty initiative and other prosecutors send a letter to the Assembly backing a bill seeking a two-year suspension” and “Suit Can Proceed Against LAPD; A ruling that said the police could be sued by an inmate using a federal racketeering law is allowed to stand by the U.S. Supreme Court.”

“Fasting Chaplain Declares Victory; Navy Denies That He Couldn’t Pray In Jesus’s Name”: This article appears today in The Washington Post.

“Judges and Justice Dept. Meet Over Eavesdropping Program”: The New York Times contains this article today.

“Calif. inmate says he’s too old, ill to die; Clarence Allen, 75, seeks clemency as execution date nears; health care an issue”: This article appears today in USA Today.

“Title VII and Small Businesses: The Supreme Court Addresses the Employer-Size Requirement For Federal Employment Discrimination Claims.” Joanna Grossman today has this commentary online at FindLaw.

“Alito No Swinger, Face Reader Says”: A press release that you can access here begins, “Ever notice the huge change to Alito’s right ear since he was at Princeton? It’s ominous for Democrats, according to face reader Rose Rosetree. While at Princeton, Alito’s ear was out-angled–reminiscent of Supreme Court Justice Souter. But faces change over time more than most people realize, depending on inner choices, and Alito’s ear is now in-angled, suggesting more conservative and predictable choices, should he be appointed to America’s Highest Court.”

“Detainee Case Hits on Limits of Presidency”: Tuesday in The New York Times, Linda Greenhouse will have an article that begins, “When the Supreme Court agreed two months ago to hear an appeal from a Yemeni detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, named Salim Ahmed Hamdan, it was evident that an important test of the limits of presidential authority to conduct the war on terror was under way. Now that the final briefs have begun to arrive at the court, in advance of a late March argument, the dimensions of that test appear greater than ever.”

“Alito Says Judges Shouldn’t Bring Agenda to Cases”: This article will appear Tuesday in The New York Times, along with an article headlined “Cheers Outside and Senators’ Lectures Inside.” In addition, Adam Liptak will have an article headlined “A Quick Focus on the Powers of a President.” A news analysis will carry the headline “Partisan Tenor of Alito Hearing Reflects a Quick Change in Washington.” And columnist John Tierney will have an op-ed entitled “Men’s Abortion Rights” (TimesSelect subscription required).

Tuesday’s edition of The Washington Post will contain a front page article headlined “Alito Stresses ‘Rule of Law’ in Opening Statement; Senate Questioning Of Supreme Court Pick Begins Today.” A news analysis will report that “Despite Advocacy, Nominee Not on Public’s Radar Screen.” And Dana Milbank’s “Washington Sketch” column will carry the headline “Bipartisan Agreement: Roberts Was Just Terrific.”

Maura Reynolds and David G. Savage of The Los Angeles Times provide a news update headlined “Battle Lines Are Drawn at Opening of Alito Hearings.”

In Tuesday’s edition of The Chicago Tribune, Jan Crawford Greenburg will report that “Alito pledges to respect rule of law.”

In Tuesday’s edition of Financial Times, Patti Waldmeir reports that “Alito on defensive over political stance.” The newspaper also contains an editorial entitled “Evaluating Alito.”

Tuesday’s edition of The Telegraph (UK) reports that “Democrats attack White House ‘stooge’ Alito.”

Newsday on Tuesday will report that “Alito plays up humble roots.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch will report on Tuesday that “Judge’s obligation is to the rule of law, Alito tells senators.”

law.com’s Tony Mauro reports that “At Confirmation Hearing, Alito Says Judge Should Have No Agenda.”

The Daily Princetonian provides a news update headlined “Alito says his obligation is to ‘rule of law’; As senators stake out positions, nominee speaks publicly of his Princeton experience.”

This evening’s broadcast of the PBS program “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” contained a segment entitled “The Alito Hearings” (transcript with link to audio).

In Tuesday’s edition of USA Today, Law Professor Jonathan Turley will have an op-ed entitled “Troubling times, a troubling nominee.”

And at Salon.com, Walter Shapiro has an essay entitled “Boring, but not scary: Samuel Alito came across as wimpy, but he didn’t reveal any weird Bork-like tendencies; He’s well on his way to joining a rightward-leaning high court.”

“Court Upholds Man’s Mandatory Sentence”: The Associated Press provides a report that begins, “A federal appeals court on Monday upheld the mandatory 55-year prison sentence given to a man convicted of carrying a handgun during three marijuana deals. The three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the sentence was constitutional because it reflected Congress’ intent to severely punish crimes involving drugs and guns.”

Today’s ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in United States v. Weldon Angelos can be accessed here.

In Tuesday’s edition of The Christian Science Monitor: Tomorrow’s newspaper will contain articles headlined “Ad war at full blast as Alito hearings begin; Interest groups target specific states and take to the Internet to make their case for or against confirmation” and “Jury duty is for Everyman – and some presidents.”

“Alito–Day One”: Law Professor Douglas W. Kmiec has this post at National Review Online’s “Bench Memos.”

And also via “Bench Memos,” yesterday in The Grand Rapids Press, Conor Dugan had an op-ed entitled “A law clerk’s view of Alito.”

“Most Popular Law Blogs”: In an unvarnished (but thus far successful) effort to become more popular, “Opinio Juris” provides this post.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that I’m not the anonymous editor of “Blawg Review.” It’s a relief having that confirmed.

“Bush’s nominee faces tough Senate grilling; Alito expected to gain supreme court place; Democrats attack views on privacy and abortion”: This article appears Tuesday in The Guardian (UK).

Jill Zuckman of The Chicago Tribune provides a news update headlined “Senators feel the pressure over Court nominee.”

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provides a news update headlined “Feingold raises concerns about Alito.”

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram provides a news update headlined “Cornyn touts religious expression.”

And The Associated Press provides reports headlined “Schumer calls Alito record ‘quite extreme’” and “Lautenberg, Whitman give Alito warm introduction to committee.”

“Alito Goes a Long Way: But He’s Still No John Roberts.” Dahlia Lithwick has this confirmation report online at Slate.

“Judge ‘can’t have an agenda,’ Alito says on 1st day of hearings”: Stephen Henderson and James Kuhnhenn of Knight Ridder Newspapers provide this report.

Available online from National Public Radio: This evening’s broadcast of “All Things Considered” contained segments entitled “Alito Begins High Court Confirmation Hearings” (featuring Nina Totenberg); “Analysis of Alito’s Confirmation Hearings” (featuring Law Professors Douglas Kmiec and Jeffrey Rosen); and “U.S. Wiretaps Program May Prompt Legal Appeals.”

And today’s broadcast of “Day to Day” contained segments entitled “Alito Confirmation Hearings Get Under Way” and “Politics with Ron Elving: Alito, DeLay.”

“Supreme Court to Weigh DNA in Capital Case”: The Associated Press provides this report.

Relatedly, in this week’s issue of The National Law Journal, Law Professors Brandon L. Garrett and Jason M. Solomon have an essay entitled “Death Penalty Cases: Judging innocence.”

“Analysis: Kaiser on Alito Hearings; First Day of Hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito.” You can access here a transcript of an online chat hosted earlier this evening at washingtonpost.com.

Blawg Review #39: Available online here at “Adam Smith, Esq.”

“Analysis: Abortion Shares Alito Spotlight.” The Associated Press provides this report.

Access online a transcript of today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing: Via The Washington Post, you can access the transcript online in two parts: part one; part two.

Similarly, via C-SPAN, you can view the hearing online, on-demand in two parts: part one; part two (RealPlayer required).

“Alito to Senate: Judges Can’t Have Agenda.” Jesse J. Holland of The Associated Press provides this updated report.

And from CNN.com, “Alito: Only obligation is ‘the rule of law’; Abortion, executive power expected to be key issues at hearings.”

“We conclude that the district court erred in subjecting Jones Day to the discovery obligations of a party under Rule 34(b) and by transferring blame for the City’s errors to its former counsel.” A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit today issued this opinion, written by Circuit Judge Terence T. Evans.

Third Circuit Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. is now beginning his opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee: Via C-SPAN, you can view the statement live, online by clicking here (RealPlayer required).

Update: And, at the conclusion of Judge Alito’s statement at 3:39 p.m., the hearing has adjourned until tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

“Alito and the Ted Kennedy ‘Study’: The Democratic senator bases his charges on a very wobbly foundation.” National Review Online has just posted this essay by Byron York.