Improving the Senate Judiciary Committee's Role in the Confirmation of Supreme Court Justices

Abstract The confirmation hearings of U.S. Supreme Court justices held by the Senate Judiciary Committee have been the subject of substantial criticism. Yet, critics typically fail to outline exactly what they want the hearings to accomplish. This article critically examines the purpose and history of confirmation hearings in an effort to shine light on the value that the hearings can add to the Supreme Court selection process. It also discusses three changes that can be made to help the confirmation hearings achieve their promise as an important venue for vetting future members of the Supreme Court and reaching a shared understanding of constitutional meanings among the American public.