Why courts matter

University Press Scholarship Online. Sign in. Not registered? Sign up. Publications Pages Publications Pages. Recently viewed 0 Save Search. Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Online Courts and the Future of Justice. In this context, as we consider who to vote for, it is important to recognize that in 39 states those who serve on state courts are also elected — and 31 states will hold elections this year. It matters tremendously. Consider the role that state supreme courts have played in protecting our key liberties and freedoms:.

Finally, state courts are increasingly critical for other reasons. First, as Alliance for Justice recently documented , Donald Trump and Republicans have reshaped the federal judiciary. If the home-state senators sign off, the committee moves forward with the nomination. Like most of this process, however, the blue slip is not a formal Senate rule and can be ignored. Assuming blue slips are returned, the committee holds a hearing and, later, a vote on the nominee.

If the nominee is voted favorably out of committee, the nominee then moves to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote and must receive a majority vote in the Senate. What is a vacancy? How many US Senators are needed to confirm a federal judicial nominee?

Why do only US Senators confirm federal judges? Why do federal judges serve for lifetime appointments? What do you mean by fair, independent, and qualified? Why are all federal judges important, not just those on the US Supreme Court? How are new judgeships created? Why are the courts a Jewish issue? How are the courts a racial justice issue?

How can I make a difference? CourtsMatter Social Media Toolkit. Do they respect equality and justice for all and understand the impact of the law on everyone? Are they impartial, nonpartisan, and not influenced by outside parties or interests? Have they been objectively assessed for their experience, competence, principles, and temperament? I want federal judges who are fair, independent, and qualified. The U. Supply Chain Makes No Sense This crisis should prompt a rethinking of the needless inefficiencies we foist on ourselves.

Rich Lowry. Ryan Mills. Fifty Years of Chinese Subversion at the U. Jimmy Quinn. Zachary Evans.