Why Character Counts on the Court

Judicial confirmation hearings draw an audience for several reasons, not least of which are the occasional fireworks from certain members of the Senate. We love to root for (or against) the nominee amid the back-and-forth commentary of the senators, now praising and now grilling the would-be justice, who must remain composed throughout the process. It’s hard to imagine any other kind of job interview that calls for that kind of grace under pressure—and even harder to think of one where it is customary for the candidate to trot out mentors, a spouse, siblings, and even children. But that unusual and long-standing practice persists at judicial hearings, and it warrants some consideration as to why.