Judicial Confirmations

Senator Arlen Specter and a panel of experts examine the state of the judicial nomination and confirmation process.  How does the pace of confirmations measure up to previous, similarly-situated administrations and Congresses?  Has the administration been sufficiently attentive to the issue of nominations?  Has the Senate been remiss in its duty to hold hearings and votes?  What can be expected for the balance of the President's term; is the Senate entitled to effectively foreclose action on pending nominees at some point in anticipation of a Presidential election?

Opening Address:

• Hon. Arlen Specter, U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania, and Ranking Minority member, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

Panelists Include:

• Prof. Michael J. Gerhardt, University of North Carolina School of Law
• Mr. Simon Heller, Legal Director, Alliance for Justice
• Mr. Michael B. Wallace, Wise Carter Child & Caraway
• Mr. Edward Whelan, President, Ethics and Public Policy Center
• Moderator: Mr. David G. Savage, Supreme Court Reporter, The Los Angeles Times