Is this ever useful or justified

Justice Sonia Sotomayor was harshly criticized by opponents during her confirmation process for once contending in a speech that a “wise Latina,” because of her life experiences, would in some instances hopefully make better judicial decisions than a white male who had not had those experiences.  To what extent do you believe judges’ backgrounds and life experiences should affect their decisions on the bench?  Is this ever useful or justified?  Should steps be taken to help ensure more demographically representative judiciaries at the state and federal levels?

Respond to at least two additional posts.