Faculty Research Seminar: 'The State of Judicial Independence in the United States'

"The complete independence of the course of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited Constitution." - Alexander Hamilton Federalist Paper number 78

The Faculty Research Seminar Series continues Friday, Oct. 23 at 3:10 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center, room 334 with "The State of Judicial Independence in the United States" presented by Dr. Michael Catalano, assistant professor of political science. Faculty and staff are invited to attend.

Abstract: Ever since Alexander Hamilton dubbed the Judiciary the weakest branch of government, courts have endured constant threats to their independence. Current times present new and old challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Catalano’s research interests explore the motivations of majoritarian institutions (i.e., legislatures, executives, political parties, and nomination and selection systems) to constrain or empower courts and the implications of those actions on judicial behavior. His published work appears in academic journals, such as Political Research Quarterly, Justice System Journal, and Journal of Political Institutions and Political Economy, as well as multiple chapters in edited volumes and books on U.S. and comparative courts.

For more information, contact coordinator Amelia Randich at amelia.randich@scranton.edu.