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The Role of Competence in Promotions from the Lower Federal Courts

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  • Stephen J. Choi
  • Mitu Gulati
  • Eric A. Posner

Abstract

The judicial behavior literature typically assumes that politicians nominate judges on the basis of their ideology. That assumption helps explain studies that show a statistical correlation between the party of the nominating president and the ideological direction of the votes of judges. However, the assumption is too simple. Casual empiricism suggests that politicians, interest groups, and the public care not only about the ideology of judges. They may also care about their competence and political loyalty and about ensuring that the judicial system is diverse. We focus on the role of competence in judicial promotions. We find, however, that presidents do not take much account of competence when promoting judges--despite the fact that there is some, albeit mixed, evidence that the most competent appellate judges were highly competent district judges.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen J. Choi & Mitu Gulati & Eric A. Posner, 2015. "The Role of Competence in Promotions from the Lower Federal Courts," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 44(S1), pages 107-131.
  • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlstud:doi:10.1086/682692
    DOI: 10.1086/682692
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen J. Choi & Mitu Gulati & Eric A. Posner, 2012. "What Do Federal District Judges Want? An Analysis of Publications, Citations, and Reversals," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 28(3), pages 518-549, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Chelsea, 2020. "Judge political affiliation and impacts of corporate environmental litigation," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

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