The Facts

Judicial Nominations 101

Learn the basics about federal judicial nominations and why the individuals charged with dispensing justice in our society have a direct impact on civil rights and other protections for all.

• Fact Sheet on Federal Judicial Nominations - LCCR
• The Right Wing Threat to Civil Rights
• What's At Stake
• The Senate, the Courts, and the Blue Slip - PFAW
• The Judicial Nominations Process - Alliance for Justice
• The Federal Judiciary - U.S. Courts

Federal Courts

While the Supreme Court typically hears fewer than 100 cases a year, the federal courts below the Supreme Court decide tens of thousands of cases a year. In effect, many lower court rulings are the final word on our rights, making the selection of these judges "who are appointed for life" extremely important to all.

• Fact Sheet on Federal Judicial Nominations -LCCR
• The Real Story on Judicial Nominees
• Women's Rights at Stake: Why Judicial Appointments Matter -NWLC
• Out of Balance-Appeals Court Tilts Right -Earthjustice
• Federal Courts at Risk -PFAW
• Why the Senate Should Reject Attempts to Pack the Federal Judiciary with Right-Wing Judges -PFAW

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is charged with ensuring for all Americans the promise of equal justice under law, and is the guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.

• What's at Stake - Save Our Courts
• Courting Disaster 2005 - PFAW
• The Court and Constitutional Interpretation - Supreme Court
• A Brief Overview of the Supreme Court - Supreme Court
• The Court and Its Procedures - Supreme Court
• Turning Right: Judicial Selection and the Politics of Power - LCCR
• LCCR on Alito's Confirmation
• LCCR on Miers' Nomination Withdrawal
• LCCR on Roberts' Confirmation as Chief Justice
• LCCR on Rehnquist's Death
• LCCR on O'Connor Resignation
• Coalition Letter Urging President Bush to Consult Senate - The Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary
• Protect the Rights of All Americans in Filling Court Vacancy - The Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary
• Statement by Theodore M. Shaw, Director-Counsel and President of the NAACP LDF on the Retirement of Sandra Day O'Connor
• Fact sheet: Justice O'Connor's Pivotal Role on Women's Legal Rights - NWLC