The rhetorical device Sotomayor uses to show that there is a need for more equality in the judicial system is "irony".
The phrase "dubious distinction" is a well known irony used for describing something bad or undesirable as if it were an honor or achievement.
Sotomayor uses this phrase to draw attention to the lack of equality in Judge Paez's case for having had his confirmation delayed for the longest time in senate history as he was a minority. She ironically calls it a distinction, as if it were an honor.
Therefore, irony is the correct answer.
To learn more about irony here:
https://brainly.com/question/12362130
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