Nominating commissions are one element of the O'Connor Judicial Selection Plan. They are used in selecting at least some judges in 34 states. In 14 states, nominating commissions are used in selecting all judges. In 9 states, nominating commissions are used in selecting some judges, depending on the court on which they serve. In 11 states that elect judges, nominating commissions are used to advise governors in filling vacancies that occur between elections. Read more to learn where and how judicial nominating commissions are currently being used.

Judicial performance evaluation is one element of the O'Connor Judicial Selection Plan. In 18 states and the District of Columbia, there is an official program for evaluating judicial performance. In 8 states, performance evaluation results are provided to voters for use in retention elections. In 3 states and the District of Columbia, performance evaluation results are provided to those responsible for reappointing judges. In 2 states, summary performance evaluation results are provided to the public to enhance confidence in the courts. In 5 states, performance evaluations are provided only to individual judges for the purpose of self-improvement. Read more to learn where and how judicial performance evaluation is currently being used.

Federal judicial screening committees are used by U.S. legislators in at least 21 states and the District of Columbia to vet would-be federal district judges whom they might recommend to the White House. These 22 jurisdictions embrace over 60% of all such judgeships.