1.  Read the procedure for becoming a federal judge below.  In what phase of the process did Judge Pickering's nomination stall?

2.  List Judge Pickering's achievements stated on his resume.  What geographic area does the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals cover? (For a map, click here.)

3.  Name the Senators (and their party affiliation) who made the following statements about Judge Pickering's nomination:

______________________________ "committed to vote" for him

______________________________ confirmation "before Christmas"

______________________________ "...no opposition"

What happened to change their minds?

4.  Name the 4 ways of identifying Judge Pickering that were believed to be held against him. (paragraph 5)  Do you agree?  Explain your answer.

5.  Who is Pat Leahy?  How was he involved with Judge Pickering's hearing?  What additional information did Senator Leahy ask the judge to provide two days before his hearing?

6.  Should Judge Pickering have been confirmed to the 5th Circuit?  Should the Democrats have done anything different?  Should the Republicans have done anything different?  Explain your answers.