DG3: Questioning Judicial Nominees and Political Candidates about Religion

QUESTIONING JUDICIAL NOMINEES AND POLITICAL CANDIDATES ABOUT RELIGION

In this Google Meet videoconference, we will discuss whether raising questions about a judicial nominee’s or political candidate’s religious beliefs is ever appropriate. If so, which questions should be asked and which avoided? Specific cases: President Trump’s 2020 nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and attacks on John F. Kennedy’s Catholicism during the 1960 presidential campaign. Since a presidential debate starts at 9 p.m. this evening, we will adjourn no later than 8:30 p.m.

Some references (not required reading):

“Judge’s Faith Becomes Early Flashpoint in Supreme Court Fight:”  https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/24/amy-coney-barrett-faith-420928

“Why Amy Coney Barrett’s Religious Beliefs Are Not Off Limits”:  https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/09/24/supreme-courtreligious-beliefs-420863

Protestant attacks on JFK’s Catholicism in 1960 campaign: https://todayinclh.com/?event=protestant-group-attacks-john-f-kennedys-catholicism