The nomination and confirmation of Supreme Court justices has, in recent years, become a battleground like no other. While the Senate's Constitutional prerogative to provide advice and consent to the President's nominees has given rise to well-documented ideological battles, less well known is how other players-interest groups, the news media, and, through their involvement, the general public-affect the conduct and outcome of the Supreme Court nomination process. In Electing Justice, Richard Davis reveals how from the late 1960s on, the role of these other players grew in intensity. Unlike earlier, more elite-governed processes, the involvement of outside groups has become highly public and their impact is now widely accepted. The general public too has become involved as through the public campaigns waged by outside groups voters increasingly follow Supreme Court nominations and hold opinions about confirmation. Concluding with several controversial recommendations, Davis shows that by embracing the public's participation in the examination of nominees we can ensure a democratic process and secure an independent and accountable judicial branch. Book jacket.