The Con Law Professor with Judicial Appointment Power

Authors

Theresa M. Beiner, University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of LawFollow

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

This essay explores whether, how or, perhaps, to what extent President Barack Obama’s time as a constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago is reflected in his approach to judicial appointments. Three things are striking about President Obama’s initial approach to judicial selection. First, he has appointed the most diverse bench of any President. Second, he has appointed judges rather slowly compared to his predecessors. And, finally, he has appointed a rather politically moderate bench. How might these particular and in some ways surprising aspects of President Obama’s judicial appointments reflect – or not reflect – his time as a constitutional law professor?

Document Type

Essay

Recommended Citation

Theresa M. Beiner, The Con Law Professor with Judicial Appointment Power, 14 J. App. Prac. & Process 1 (2013).