How do non-constitutional actors, such as interest groups and the media, influence the Supreme Court nomination and confirmation process? Richard W. Davis, a scholar of political communication and government, utilizes historical analysis and political science frameworks to evaluate the evolution of judicial appointments. He argues that the increasing involvement of external stakeholders has fundamentally altered the nature of the process, necessitating a critical examination of potential institutional reforms.

Experts view this work as a useful examination of the intersection between media, interest groups, and the federal judiciary. Readers frequently note the clarity of the author's arguments regarding the politicization of the confirmation process.