1. What are the Constitutional requirements for being a federal judge?
There are none!
But what should they be?

2. Would you appoint Judge Thomas to the Supreme Court?

3. How Federal Court Judges Are Selected
The President nominates Supreme Court justices, as well as federal court judges, who are then subject to the approval of the Senate.
Most federal judges are drawn from the ranks of leading attorneys, legal scholars and law school professors, former members of Congress, and State courts.

4. Federal Selection Process
President
Dept. of
Justice
Senators
ABA
Interest Groups
Senate
Jud. Comm.
Senate

5. Term and Pay Term – Life, can only be removed through impeachment.
Pay – Chief Justice $217,000, Associate Justices $208,000, Court of Appeals $179,000, District Court $169,000

6. What does the President look for in a judge?
No constitutional qualifications
Competence
Ideology (conservative or liberal)
Policy Preferences
Rewards
Pursuit of Political Support
Religion
Race and gender
Current Court

7. The Special Courts