The United States Senate is expected to next week begin hearings to consider John G. Roberts for the highest judicial office in America—chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. DePaul University experts are available to provide in-depth commentary on, and analysis of, the hearings and judicial nomination process. They also can discuss the history of the court and important issues involving future nominees selected to fill the court’s second vacancy, which will be created by the departure of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. DePaul’s experts include:

Jeffrey Shaman, professor of law, College of Law: Can offer analysis of the Senate hearings; discuss the impact of Roberts and future nominees on the balance of the court; legal and constitutional issues involving the nomination process; judicial ethics and the propriety of nominees answering questions about their positions on critical issues. Shaman is a senior fellow of the American Judicature Society and the former president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. He can be reached at 312/362-8143.

John C. Roberts, professor of law, College of Law: Can provide overall commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation process; analysis of the Senate hearings and address how different nominees selected to fill the seat of retiring justice O’Connor could change the entire makeup of the court. He also can discuss the history of the court. Roberts offered testimony opposing the nomination to the Supreme Court of Robert Bork. He can be reached at 312/362-8776.

Anna Law, professor of political science, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Can comment on U.S. Supreme Court nominees and the nomination process generally, including the role that special interest groups play in influencing the selection, nomination and confirmation of nominees. Law’s scholarship includes study of the U.S. Supreme Court. She can be reached at 773/325-4326 or alaw1@depaul.edu.

David Barnum, professor of political science, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Can discuss the nomination process, specifically how it has become a political circus, and the influence of special interest groups. Barnum is an expert on the U.S. Supreme Court in American democracy. He can be reached at 773/325-1972.

Note to Editors: Should you need to reach a DePaul expert after hours or on weekends, contact Valerie Phillips at 312/330-3155.