Supreme Court Nominations: Home

• The President traditionally consults with Senators and advisers before announcing the nomination.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee considers the nomination and conducts an intensive investigation of the nominee's background. This investigation includes a detailed questionnaire that the nominee responds to in writing and FBI reports, in addition to the independent confidential investigation conducted by the Judiciary Committee staff.
• The Judiciary Committee holds hearings, during which the nominee is questioned at length, and witnesses, both for and against the nomination, express their views.
• The Judiciary Committee votes on the nomination, and reports its recommendation to the full Senate.  At the same time it usually transmits a written committee report.
• The Senate debates the nomination. A filibuster, or unlimited debate, is permitted by Senate rules, and a filibuster can be ended by a cloture vote.  A motion for cloture requires a 3/5 majority of the full membership of the Senate -- 60 votes.
• After the debate ends, the full Senate votes on the nomination. A simple majority of Senators present and voting is required to confirm a judicial nominee.

This guide was created by Cynthia Pittson. It is currently maintained by Deborah Heller.