CSDP and JMP Convene Judges, Journalists, and Academics to Discuss Politics of Judicial Nominations

Monday, Apr 20, 2020

Professor Canes-Wrone opening remarks conference on Politics of Judicial Nominations

Credit: Fotobuddy Photography

   On March 6, 2020, the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics (CSDP) and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions brought together judges, leading policymakers, journalists, and academics to discuss the politics of federal judicial nominations, how these politics have evolved over time, and how well they are working today. Speakers and moderators of this fascinating and timely discussion included:
Panelists during conference on Politics of Judicial Nominations    
Historical Developments: ​How Did We Get Here?
  • Charles Cameron, Princeton University
  • Jan Crawford, CBS News
  • David Greenberg, Rutgers University
  • Ilya Shapiro, Cato Institute
  • moderated by Robert George, Princeton University
​​Appellate and District Court Nominations
  • The Honorable Robert Katzmann, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • Anthony Madonna, University of Georgia
  • The Honorable Henry Saad, Young & Associates
  • Nancy Scherer, Wellesley College
  • moderated by Sarah Staszak, Princeton University

White House Nominating Process
  • Christine Nemachek, College of William & Mary
  • Keith Whittington, Princeton University
  • David Yalof, University of Connecticut
  • moderated by Nolan McCarty, Princeton University
The Judicial Selection Process in the Office of the President   

Professor Canes-Wrone interviewing Donald McGahn
​Brandice Canes-Wrone interviews The Honorable Donald F. McGahn, former White House Counsel


Advice and Consent in the Senate
  • Robert Barnes, The Washington Post
  • Sarah Binder, George Washington University and Brookings Institution
  • Mark Gitenstein, Mayer Brown LLP
  • The Honorable Thomas Hardiman, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
  • moderated by Frances Lee, Princeton University

Legal Societies and ​Outside Actors
  • Joan Biskupic, CNN
  • Amanda Hollis-Brusky, Pomona College
  • Amy Steigerwalt, Georgia State University
  • moderated by Paul Frymer, Princeton University

Potential Reforms
  • Mickey Edwards, Princeton University
  • John Kastellec, Princeton University
  • Adam Liptak, The New York Times
  • David Pozen, Columbia Law School
  • moderated by Martha Coven, Princeton University