The Almanac of the Federal Judiciary (2009 edition) includes lots of effusive comments from lawyers about Judge Hamilton’s abilities. But comments from criminal-defense lawyers reinforce my initial perception that Hamilton is not the moderate that the Obama administration is trying to paint him as:
“He is the most lenient of any of the judges in the district.” “He is one of the more liberal judges in the district. He leans toward the defense.”
And the comments on Hamilton’s sentencing (evidently from both prosecutors and criminal-defense attorneys) are similar:
“He is your best chance for downward departures.” “He is inclined to give certain defendants a break.” … “In sentencing, he tends to be very empathetic to the downtrodden, or to those who commit crimes due to poverty.”