The
President of the United States (Executive branch) nominates members to the Judiciary branch of government, including District Court judges, US Court of Appeals Circuit judges, and Supreme Court justices (including the Chief Justice).
The Constitution does not set forth any guidelines for Supreme Court justices; the President has complete discretion over his selection.
Some typical considerations:
- Opinions of White House advisors
- Opinions of trusted Justice Department personnel
- Recommendation of American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary
- Educational credentials
- Professional accomplishments and experience
- Ideological compatibility
- Political support from other party members
- Acceptability to majority party in Senate (easier of President and Senate majority are members of the same party)
- History of ethical behavior and lack of controversy or extremism
- Need for diversity and religious balance on the Court
- Age
The President will usually consult with Senators before announcing his nominee, in order to gauge political support.
Candidates for Supreme Court justice must then be confirmed or rejected by a simple vote of the Senate before they are appointed and may assume office.
For more information, see Related Questions, below.