US President George W Bush's nominee for the US Supreme Court, Judge Samuel Alito, faced questioning from senators on the second day of his confirmation hearing in Washington.
Yesterday's session was dominated by the issue of presidential power, following concerns among some senators about the Bush Administration's domestic spying programme introduced after the 11 September terrorist attacks in 2001.
When asked if Mr Bush could be above the law in times of war, Mr Alito said the head of state had to abide by the US Constitution at all times.
The hearing is expected to conclude this week.
The US President has nominated Judge Alito to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a moderate conservative who has often been the swing vote on the nine-member court on such issues as civil and abortion rights and presidential powers.
Mr Bush's earlier choice for the post, lawyer Harriet Miers, withdrew when conservatives refused to support her.
