Supreme Court Nominations Research Guide

This guide explains the nomination process and suggests resources for further research into the nominations of more recently confirmed Supreme Court Justices.

Nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh to Replace Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy

On July 9, 2018,  President Trump nominated Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Brett M. Kavanaugh to fill the seat previously held by Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy. Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings began on September 4, 2018. On October 6, 2018, the Senate confirmed Brett M. Kavanaugh by a vote of 50-48 (1 not voting, 1 absent). He was sworn in the same day.

Supreme Court Nomination

Opinions from Judge Brett Kavanaugh

To search for opinions by Judge Kavanaugh with Lexis, the following advanced search fields for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit cases are available: Opinion By, Concurrence By and Dissent By. The following advanced search fields are available with Westlaw: Written By, Concurring and Dissenting.

Full-text District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals opinions by Judge Kavanaugh are available on the court's website. Search by case name and year.

Notable decisions by Judge Kavanaugh as compiled by The National Law Journal (July 9, 2018).

Notable decisions by Judge Kavanaugh as compiled by Law360 (July 9, 2018).

Notable decisions by Judge Kavanaugh as compiled by Wall Street Journal (July 9, 2018).

Notable decisions by Judge Kavanaugh as compiled by The Washington Post (July 10, 2018).

Publications by Judge Kavanaugh

Books

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Articles

Selected Briefs of Brett Kavanaugh

U.S. Supreme Court

Circuit Courts of Appeal

District Courts

Selected Oral Arguments by Brett Kavanaugh

Records of Work Within the Office of Independent Counsel and the White House Counsel's Office

National Archives, Records of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr, Brett Kavanaugh Attorney Work Files

Judge Kavanaugh’s attorney work files from his tenure with the Office of Independent Counsel (OIC) serving as an Associate Independent Counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr from September 6, 1994 until November 20, 1997 and again from April 27, 1998 until December 1, 1998.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Records on Brett M. Kavanaugh

Records related to Brett M. Kavanaugh's service in the White House Counsel’s Office and the White House Office of the Staff Secretary under the Administration of President George W. Bush.

Speeches and Remarks by Judge Kavanaugh

Brett Kavanaugh Project - UVa Law