Judging and Clerking
Pre-Class Questionnaire
	You need not put your name on this form, and your efforts will not be graded.  However, we will ask you to submit this form, and will appreciate deliberate and thoughtful responses.  To effectively complete this form, first read Chapters 1 and 5 and Appendices A-C in the Meador text.

Qualifications and Selection of Judges (and Clerks)

What do you consider the most important traits and/or skills for a judge to possess? ___________________

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What do you consider the most important traits and/or skills for a clerk to possess? ____________________

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How do you think judges should be selected (appointment, popular election, other)? ___________________

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Challenges of Judging (and Clerking)	
	
What do you consider judges’ most important tasks?  Their hardest tasks?  ___________________________

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What do you consider clerks’ most important tasks?  Their hardest tasks?  ___________________________

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Politicians and academics often discuss and debate so-called “judicial philosophies” (e.g., judicial activism versus judicial restraint; originalism versus strict construction versus dynamic interpretation, etc.)
Do you consider any particular philosophy of judging especially appropriate (or inappropriate)? 

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Contexts for Judging	

The Meador text’s appendices detail various court structures in the United States.  As you review these materials, consider how structural issues — e.g., types/number of courts and judges, terms of judicial service, use of specialized courts — can impact the judicial function.  Do you think any particular court structure is especially valuable and sound (or especially harmful and unsound) for effective judging?

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