[JURIST] US Chief Justice nominee John Roberts [Wikipedia profile; JURIST news archive] wrapped up a third day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee [official website] Wednesday marked by more jousting with Democratic senators and strong support from Republicans. As time went on, it appeared increasingly likely that Roberts would be approved by the Committee and confirmed by the full Senate in time for the opening of the Supreme Court's 2005-2006 term in October. Committee Democrats continued to press Roberts to elaborate his views on subjects such as civil rights and the right to privacy, while Roberts presented measured responses. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, said Roberts had altered one response from Tuesday, when he said he agreed that a right to privacy existed under the Constitution. Schumer made the comment after he asked Roberts if he disagreed with Justice Clarence Thomas [Oyez profile], who does not acknowledge such a right, and Roberts said he did not. Although Democrats charged Roberts with not answering questions throughout the hearings, Committee chairman Sen. Arlen Specter, R-PA, who himself appeared frustrated with a non-responsive Roberts at one point in the morning session, said the nominee has "answered more questions than most." View a transcript of Wednesday's hearing. The hearings continue at 9 AM ET Thursday, with Roberts taking some final questions from Senators before the committee begins hearing testimony from various witnesses [witness list] other than Roberts. AP has more.