Judges who serve in lifetime seats on the federal courts make decisions that impact women, children, and families.  From the schools we can attend to whom we can marry, federal judges impact every aspect of our lives.

Our courts, by the numbers

(as of May 1, 2021)
74%
of all sitting judges are white…

with white men making up 60% of the federal bench.

51%
of the population are women…

yet only 33% of the federal bench

43%
of people living in America are people of color…

yet make up only 26% of the federal bench.

Federal courts should reflect the communities they serve. Bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the bench allows judges to make better-informed decisions, in addition to increasing public confidence in their rulings.

Because #CourtsMatter, NCJW believes all federal judges must be:

Fair

Do they respect equality and justice for all and understand the impact of the law on everyone?

Independent

Are they impartial, nonpartisan, and not influenced by outside parties or interests?

Qualified

Have they been objectively assessed for their experience, competence, principles, and temperament?

Why Do Courts Matter?

This video was created by Civic Nebraska and Courts Matter Nebraska.

Meet a Federal Judicial Nominee

Chad Meredith

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

NCJW opposes Chad Meredith. Here’s why: Chad Meredith’s record raises serious concerns about his ability to serve as a fair and independent federal judge. He has zealously defended anti-abortion laws, including efforts to block clinic licensing and impose medically unnecessary restrictions, earning praise from Kentucky Right to Life. He also defended Kentucky’s Right to Work … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Jordan Pratt

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
District Court for the Middle District of Florida

NCJW opposes Judge Jordan Pratt. Here’s why: Judge Jordan Pratt’s record reflects a deeply ideological agenda that calls into question his ability to serve as a fair and independent federal judge. From striking down safeguards for young people seeking abortion access to advancing a narrow, Christian nationalist view of religious liberty, Judge Pratt has consistently … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Ed Artau

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
District Court for the Southern District of Florida

NCJW opposes Judge Ed Artau. Here’s why: Judge Ed Artau’s record raises serious ethical and judicial concerns that make him unfit for a lifetime seat on the federal bench. From past ethics violations involving improper political advocacy to his refusal to recuse himself in a politically charged case involving former President Trump — despite clear … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Cristian Stevens

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Judge Cristian Stevens. Here’s why: Judge Cristian Stevens’ record and public statements raise serious concerns about his fitness for a lifetime seat on the federal bench. As a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, he has consistently sided with corporate interests over workers, opposing disability discrimination claims and limiting accountability for workplace … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Zachary Bluestone

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Zachary Bluestone. Here’s why: With less than 10 years of legal experience, Zachary Bluestone falls below the threshold typically required for a “qualified” judicial nominee rating by the nonpartisan American Bar Association. His record in Missouri’s highly politicized Federalism Unit — where he took part in efforts to roll back protections for health … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending