Judges play a key role in both the federal and state judicial systems. However, the method of selecting judges differs at the state and federal levels. In most states, judges are elected public officials serving a set term. Federal judges are selected by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve lifetime appointments to the federal bench.

How do lifetime appointments fit into the overall role of the federal court system and our adversary process? What are some of the perceived benefits or criticisms of each approach? Does the approach you prefer differ for state matters vs. the Supreme Court? Can you identify any cases (discussed in class or not) in either criminal or Constitutional law in which a judges lifetime appointment or election might have mattered? Most of all, which method of picking judges do you prefer and why?