Document Type
Article
Abstract
This Essay explores how discourse surrounding Supreme Court nominations reflects broader societal debates about merit, representation, and inclusion. Through analysis of the controversy surrounding President Biden’s commitment to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, this piece examines three interconnected themes: the embodied nature of representation, the relationship between diversity and judicial legitimacy, and the problematic nature of “best candidate” narratives. It challenges traditional conceptions of merit in judicial nominations and argues for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the value of diverse lived experiences on the bench.
Recommended Citation
Susan Tanner, The Embodied Nature of Representation: Reframing "Best Candidate" Narratives in Supreme Court Nominations, 16 ConLawNOW 201 (2025)