A Guide to the Supreme Court Nomination

Ever wonder how a Supreme Court nominee becomes a Supreme Court justice? Here's a guide to how the selection and confirmation process works:

Once a president nominates a justice, what is required for him or her to become a member of the Supreme Court?

The Senate must vote to confirm the nomination. Since 1925, that Senate vote has often been preceded by hearings before the Judiciary Committee during which senators question the nominee on his or her judicial record, if any, and his or her approach to constitutional issues.

How many Supreme Court nominees has the Senate rejected?

Since 1789, the Senate has rejected 30 out of the 144 nominees, the most recent being Robert Bork in 1987.

Must nominees to the Supreme Court answer questions before the Judiciary Committee?

There is no constitutional or statutory requirement for them to testify.