Politics, Judge Selection, and Judicial Outcomes

Federal judges are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The president is likely to appoint judges that share his or her political ideologies. Since federal judges serve on the bench for life, their appointments have a lasting impact on the composition of the courts and judicial outcomes. Therefore, it is important to consider how judges make decisions that affect law and public policy. While judges are supposed to remain impartial in their decision making, some evidence suggests that their political ideologies influence how they interpret the Constitution and make decisions about cases.

To prepare for this Discussion:

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·         Review the article, “Federal Judge Selection: Process and Participants.” Think about how politics influence judge selection..

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·         Review the article, “Students Fourth Amendment Rights and the Federal Judgeship: Examining the Link between Political Appointments and Case Outcomes.” Consider how judges’ political leanings or party affiliations might impact how they interpret the Constitution and decide on cases.

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·         Consider how politics might influence the selection process of federal judges.

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·         Think about how federal judges’ political ideologies might influence judicial outcomes.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of how politics might influence the selection process of federal judges. Then explain how federal judges’ political ideologies might influence judicial outcomes. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your explanation.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

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·         Ask a probing question.

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·         Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.

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·         Offer and support an opinion.

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·         Validate an idea with your own experience.

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·         Make a suggestion.

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·         Expand on your colleague’s posting.

·         Optional Resources

·         Web Site: Caperton et al. v A. T. Massey Coal Co., Inc., et al.
http://www.supremecourt.gov/

·         Web Site: Methods of Judicial Selection
http://www.judicialselection.us/judicial_selection/methods/selection_of_judges.cfm?state=

·         Web Site: Our Government–Judicial Branch
http://www.whitehouse.gov/our_government/judicial_branch/