PSC 441 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Missouri Plan, Judicial Independence, United States Senate Committee On The Judiciary
Document Summary
Chapter 4 - selection of judges p 92-122. Judges preside over proceedings and make decisions that affect outcomes for the parties in cases. Whether priority should be given to judicial independence or to political. Many argue judges should be selected to maximize freedom. Judges should apply the law based on their opinions and views. Others argue that judges should be held accountable. What method of selection will produce the most competent judges. (p. Legal competence vs broad understanding of politics. Judges nominated by president and confirmed by the senate (majority vote) Confirmation can be blacked by unfavorable vote, inaction/negative decision in the senate judiciary committee, a senator placing a hold on a nomination, or a filibuster that requires. President can make recess appointment, and nominee can serve until the end of next recess. When there is a vacancy on the supreme court, the president must find someone to fill it.
