American Notes THE COURT

Ever since Judge David Souter was nominated for the U.S. Supreme Court in July, legal scholars and interest groups have been poring over his record. Last week some of the scrutiny ended in a big boost for the candidate Justice when an American Bar Association screening committee unanimously handed him its highest rating of "well qualified" and said he met the highest standards of "integrity, professional competence and judicial temperament."

The next step in Souter's ordeal is a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which is scheduled to begin later this week. The enigmatic New Englander will be closely questioned about his judicial philosophy in what are expected to be heated, partisan sessions. In particular, some Senators will try to probe Souter's views on Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortion. Pro-choice and some women's groups have been mobilizing against Souter, but they are unlikely to impede his progress -- unless he makes a major gaffe. "Souter is far too good a technical lawyer to get himself into trouble," says American University law professor Herman Schwartz. "He will do what & Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Justice Antonin Scalia did -- dance around the issues."