July 8, 2018
SUPREME COURT SHOWDOWN
Pres. Trump announced his Judge Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee for the high court – here’s a look at what happens next …
Let the games begin!
ROUND I: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings
- Nominee submits a questionnaire & other records to Senate.
- During open (public) hearings, the cmte asks the nominee about their judicial philosophy to get an idea of how they *might* rule.
- Next, the cmte sends a recommendation on whether or not to confirm the nominee to the full Senate.
ROUND II:
Senate Debate & Vote
- The Senate debates the nomination during closed proceedings; this is not public.
- In order to end debate and move to the confirmation vote, 50 votes are needed.
- Once debate is over, the Senate votes on whether to confirm the nominee – a simple majority is required to confirm the nominee.
What if there’s a tie?
As the head of the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence would cast the deciding vote.
How long will it take?
Since 1975, the process from nomination to final vote has taken anywhere from 19 to 87 days.
ALL ABOUT JUDGE BRETT KAVANAUGH: https://smarthernews.com/kavanaugh-on-the-issues/
- Supreme Court Nomination Process Q&A: [https://www.americanbar.org/publications/previewhome/supremecourtnomination.html](https://www.americanbar.org/publications/previewhome/supremecourtnomination.html)
- Supreme Court Appointment Process: Consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44236.pdf - Supreme Court Appointment Process: Senate Debate and Confirmation Vote: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44234.pdf
- What you need to know about Trump’s top SCOTUS contenders: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amy-coney-barrett-brett-kavanaugh-raymond-kethledge-top-trump-supreme-court-picks/
by Jenna Lee,
