MELISSA BLOCK, host: Along with public officials and other leaders, average Americans have had      plenty to pique their interest in the Supreme Court in recent days.  We      went to Philadelphia, just a block from the 3rd US Circuit Court of      Appeals, where Judge Samuel Alito has served for the last 15 years, and      we asked people what they want in a Supreme Court justice.</s>Mr. JOHN CASCO(ph): A person on the Supreme Court?  Well, I think they      would have to had to dealt with such issues in real life and walk amongst      the people, basically.</s>Ms. MARIA ANDERSON: I'm looking for someone who will be absolutely true      to the Constitution.  I really don't care about their politics as long as      they deliver unbiased, fair opinions.</s>Mr. ANDRE DAVIS: It doesn't matter who they are or what they come from;      be honest and be fair to every human being.</s>Ms. KATRINA DURHAM(ph): Hmm.  What kind of ...(unintelligible) am I      looking for?  I'm very concerned about Roe vs. Wade.  It's important to      have more of a liberal in.</s>Ms. KIM HERSHBERG(ph): A person who does have judge experience, I think,      is very important for the job, someone who's actually not coming in with      preconceived ideas.</s>Mr. KAMAL NANCE(ph): In the next Supreme Court justice?  One that's      waking up, one that's going to be able to ...(unintelligible) the serious      issues that are going on in our country right now.</s>Mr. EARL SPOMMER(ph): Just between you and me, keep Sandra Day O'Connor.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, host: Opinions sampled in front of the Liberty Bell Pavilion in      Philadelphia.  We heard from John Casco, Maria Anderson, Andre Davis,      Katrina Durham, Kim Hershberg, Kamal Nance and Earl Spommer.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, host: You can read and hear more reactions to Judge Alito's nomination at      npr.org.
To find out what Americans want in a Supreme Court justice, we hear from people on the street in Philadelphia, just a block away from the federal courthouse where Samuel Alito has served for the last 15 years.