Presidents' Judicial Agendas: A Study of Appointment Strategies and Influence

Boston University professor Lauren Mattioli delivered a lecture on the power of presidential appointments in shaping the judicial agenda, highlighting the critical role of U.S. attorneys in implementing policy priorities. Her research, part of a book currently in progress, explores how presidents care about the courts and the ways in which they can influence policy through appointments. By examining the rhetoric of past presidents, Mattioli identified key issues and judicial agendas, including President Barack Obama's "Smart on Crime" agenda and President Donald Trump's "American Carnage" agenda.

Key Takeaways:

• Lauren Mattioli's research focuses on the role of U.S. attorneys in implementing judicial agendas, highlighting their influence in shaping policy priorities.
• Mattioli identified two case studies: President Barack Obama's "Smart on Crime" agenda, which focused on drugs and drug trafficking, and President Donald Trump's "American Carnage" agenda, centered around civil disorder.
• Obama's judicial appointment strategy was characterized by careful vetting of potential nominees, leading to a significant decrease in marijuana prosecutions during his presidency.
• In contrast, Trump's term was marked by a frequent churn in judicial appointees and limited evidence of vetting, resulting in a lack of notable increases in prosecutions related to civil disorder.
• Mattioli's study emphasizes the importance of considering the relationship between the executive and judiciary in shaping policy priorities.
• The research also highlights the influence of career concerns on prosecutorial decisions, with temporary appointees being more likely to align with the president's agenda.

Statistics:

• Under President Obama, the number of marijuana cases prosecuted declined significantly, with a 25% decrease in 2015 compared to 2010.
• The largest decrease in marijuana prosecutions was among temporary appointees, supporting the theory of career concerns playing a role in prosecutorial decisions.
• President Trump's "American Carnage" agenda did not result in a noticeable increase in prosecutions related to civil disorder, with a 10% decrease in 2017 compared to 2016.

Sources:

• Lauren Mattioli, Professor of Government and Legal Studies, Boston University.
• Department of Government and Legal Studies, Boston University.
• The John C. Donovan Lecture Fund.
• Boston University's "The Torch" news organization, "Professor Lauren Mattioli Discusses Presidential Judicial Agendas" (reporter Andy Robinson).