Judicial Appointments Appointed for life subject to good behavior in order to insure that Justices are free from direct political pressure Appointed by? President Confirmed by Senate confirms with 2/3 vote Which basic principle? Checks and Balances Judicial Nominations Senatorial Courtesy Preferences of senators from state of vacancy - blue slipping Qualifications Presidents Choice... So anybody Lower court judges State S.C. judges Leading Attorneys Leading Law professors Loose / Activist Apply their own opinions on a case-by- case basis Strict / Original Rulings are by the book based only on prior law, not opinions Litmus Test Test of ideology Abortion Affirmative action Civil liberties Conservative Strict Liberal - Activist Presidential Politics How will nomination help me How will nomination help party How will nomination determine law Minorities Race Ethnicity Gender Old Man Cant Is Dead! Anything Is Possible With Elbow Grease