Judge Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday attempted to clarify her remark that has sparked controversy that her speeches and rulings show a racial bias; in her remark she said that a wise Latina woman could reach a better decision than a white male.

The context of the words I spoke have created a misunderstanding, Sotomayor said. To give everyone assurance, I want to state up front, unequivocally and without doubt, that I do not believe any racial, gender or ethnic group has an advantage in sound judging.

Sotomayor said that through her words she was trying to inspire minorities that regardless of their background they could be anything they wanted.

I want to state upfront, unequivocally and without doubt: I do not believe that any racial, ethnic or gender group has an advantage in sound judging. I do believe that every person has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences, she declared.

Sotomayor, 55, In her second day before the Senate Judiciary Committee said her background as a trial and appellate court judge had taught her to keep an open mind and not come to any cases with a prejudgment of the outcome.

No words I have ever spoken nor written have received so much attention, she said, chuckling.