Why in news?

U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held hearing on Kavanaugh's sexual assault allegations.

Who is Brett Kavanaugh?

• He is US President Trump’s nominee for the Associate Justice of Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).
• If appointed, he will be Supreme Court’s 114th justice.
• The vast majority of Kavanaugh’s professional life has been in government jobs rather than private practice.

How US Supreme Court Judge is appointed?

• The power to appoint Supreme Court justices belongs exclusively to the President of the United States.
• According to U.S. Constitution. Supreme Court nominees, after being selected by the president must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Senate (Upper House).
• The requirement for the Senate to confirm the president’s nominees for Supreme Court Justices enforces the concept of checks and balances.

What is the process of appointment?    

• US President prepares lists of possible Supreme Court nominees.
• As their Constitution does not set any qualifications for service as a Justice, it is under discretion of the President to nominate.
• Once the Senate receives the nominee list, it is referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• The Judiciary Committee sends the nominee a questionnaire.
• The questionnaire requests the nominee's biographical, financial and employment information, and copies of the nominee's legal writings, opinions issued, testimony and speeches.
• The Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the nomination.
• The nominee makes an opening statement and then answers questions from the Committee members.
• The hearing can take several days and the questioning can become politically partisan and intense.
• After the hearing is completed, Committee members are given one week to submit written follow-up questions.
• The nominee submits written responses.
• Finally, the Committee votes on the nomination.
• The Committee can vote to send the nomination to the full Senate with a recommendation of either approval or rejection.
• After receiving the recommendation of the Judiciary Committee, the full Senate holds its own hearing and debates the nomination
• Finally, the full Senate will vote on the nomination.
• A simple majority vote of the Senators present is required for the nomination to be confirmed.
• If the Senate confirms the nomination, the nominee usually goes directly to the White House to be sworn in.

What is the problem in appointment?

• Dr.Ford, a psychology professor in California, accused the nominee Brett Kavanaugh of groping and attempting to rape her.
• The reported incident took place in 1982.
• Christine Blasey Ford, a research psychologist, recently  testified about the assault by Kavanaugh that left her traumatised and changed her life.
• Brett Kavanaugh also testified in front of the Senate Judiciary committee over sexual assault allegations.
• However the Committee voted 11:10 in favour of Kavanaugh.

Source: Business line, The Indian Express