"No matter how badly senators want to know things, judicial nominees are limited in what they may discuss. That limitation is real, and it comes from the very nature of what judges do"

This quote by Orrin Hatch is referring to the fact that judicial nominees are restricted in what they can talk about throughout their confirmation hearings. This is due to the fact that judges are expected to remain unbiased and unbiased when making decisions, and going over certain subjects might possibly expose their personal opinions and beliefs. For that reason, senators might need to know specific aspects of the nominee, but the candidate is restricted in what they can discuss in order to maintain their impartiality. This restriction is needed in order for the judicial system to stay fair and impartial.