The confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court began Monday morning with the Bronx native receiving praise from Democrats and heavy criticism from Republicans.

Sotomayor delivered her opening statement after an introduction by New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer.

The Yale University Law School graduate talked about her judicial philosophy and defended her stance from the Republican critics.

"In the past month, many senators have asked me about my judicial philosophy. It is simple: fidelity to the law. The task of a judge is not to make the law – it is to apply the law," she said.

Both New York senators described Sotomayor as an intelligent woman who is a perfect example of someone living "the New York dream."

"Sonia Sotomayor’s life and career are a study in excellence – a commitment to learning, a dedication to the law, and constant pursuit of the highest ideals of our country," said Gillibrand.

Earlier in the day, the committee's 12 Democrats and seven Republicans delivered their preliminary remarks.

Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the chairman of the hearings, opened the proceedings by praising Sotomayor for her experience, work ethic and achievements.

"I hope all Americans are encouraged by Judge Sotomayor's achievements and by her nomination to the nation's highest court," Leahy said. "Hers is a success story in which all Americans can take pride."

Leahy also urged lawmakers to "reject the efforts of partisans and outside pressure groups that have sought to create a caricature of Judge Sotomayor while belittling her record, her achievements, and her intelligence."

President Barack Obama nominated Sotomayor on May 26th to take the place of retiring Justice David Souter.

Her supporters are calling Sotomayor a fair jurist who has strictly followed the law as a federal judge, and whose background makes her uniquely qualified to serve on the nation's highest court.

Critics call her an activist who tries to set policy from the bench.

During their opening comments, Republican Senator Jeff Sessions and Republican Senator Charles Gressley went after Sotomayor for allegedly letting her personal experiences shape her decision making.

The criticism stems from a controversial comment she made in 2001 that a "wise Latina" often would reach better conclusions than a white male without the same life experiences.

"I will not vote for and no senator should vote for an individual nominated by any president who is not fully committed to fairness and impartiality to any person who appears before them," said Sessions. "I will not vote for and no senator should vote for an individual nominated by any president who believes it is acceptable for a judge to allow their personal background, gender, prejudices or sympathies to sway their decision in favor of or against parties before the court."

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that if he had made comments similar to that, it would have ruined his career. However, he said that he believes that unless Sotomayor "has a complete meltdown," she will be confirmed.

Opponents also question her ruling in the New Haven firefighter discrimination case, which the Supreme Court recently overturned.

In her opening remarks, Sotomayor responded to critics, saying:

"The process of judging is enhanced when the arguments and concerns of the parties to the litigation are understood and acknowledged," she said. "That is why I generally structure my opinions by setting out what the law requires and then by explaining why a contrary position, sympathetic or not, is accepted or rejected. That is how I seek to strengthen both the rule of law and faith in the impartiality of our justice system. My personal and professional experiences help me listen and understand, with the law always commanding the result in every case."

Monday's session was briefly interrupted three times by anti-abortion protesters. The protesters were removed. Leahy threatened to oust any hecklers.

If confirmed, Sotomayor would become the first Hispanic ever to sit on the Supreme Court.

She is expected to begin answering questions Tuesday.

At a viewing party at Las Comaradas bar in East Harlem, Puerto Rican New Yorkers cheered on their fellow Latina New Yorker.

Many of them say they have crossed paths with Sotomayor through her work on the Puerto Rican Defense Fund.

Organizer Melissa Mark-Viverito, of the City Council, and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn spoke about the humility of Sotomayor during the whole process.

"I thought it would be great for people to have a place to convene and have discussions and dialogue about this and collectively share this historic moment," said Mark-Viverito.

"I think this is really the story about the New York dream," Quinn said. "It is the story of people who come to this city because they can see great possibility because they know it is a field of dreams for their children. It is so great to be reminded of that."

A hot topic of discussion among the viewers was the heavy criticism by Republican lawmakers.

"There was nothing that they dug up amounted to anything that anybody would care about or would affect her nomination in any serious way," said the bar owner Orlando Plaza.

Most of the viewers said they believed that Sotomayor will soar through the hearings.