Confirmation hearings: A series of meetings held by the Senate Judiciary Committee to evaluate a nominee's qualifications and determine their suitability for serving on the Supreme Court.
Judicial activism: The philosophy that judges should interpret and apply laws in ways that reflect current social values and needs, often resulting in bolder decisions with potential political implications.
Judicial restraint: The philosophy that judges should limit their own power and defer to elected officials' decisions when interpreting laws, emphasizing adherence to precedent and original intent rather than pursuing personal policy goals.