Courtesy photo

Goodwin Liu

Gov. Jerry Brown's nomination of UC Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu to the California Supreme Court Tuesday prompted criticism from Latino groups who say the choice will leave a major segment of the state's population without representation on the court.

If confirmed, Liu would replace former Associate Justice Carlos Moreno, the only Latino on the seven-member court, who retired in February. Liu would be one of four justices of Asian descent and one of three men on the panel, which is based in San Francisco. The court currently has no Hispanic or African-American members.

"It is a grave oversight for the Supreme Court not to reflect the full diversity of our state," the National Associated of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials said in a press release Tuesday. "The California Supreme Court interprets the law on issues that are critical to all California families. Justice is best served when the perspectives of all Californians are represented."

Latinos make up about 38 percent of the state's population, while Asians account for about 15 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

At a press conference Tuesday, Brown defended his selection of Liu, who he said could "help make the California State Supreme Court great again."

Jamie Hansen/The Bay Citizen

Gov. Jerry Brown talks about state Supreme Court nominee Goodwin Liu at a press conference Tuesday

Brown said that he didn't think attributes like gender, national origin or race should be the main criteria for choosing a justice.

"We're all Californians," Brown said. "I conscientiously evaluated all the nominees, and this is the one I chose."

Moreno issued a statement calling the nomination "visionary and truly meritorious."

"Goodwin Liu is a brilliant scholar and dedicated teacher. He is admired for his measured, balanced and rational judgment," Moreno said.

President Barack Obama had nominated Liu to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2010, but Liu withdrew his candidacy this May after facing Republican opposition.