This special topic course will examine the ways in which interest groups interact in and affect the judicial process, particularly at the Supreme Court level. Topics covered include the theory of interest groups in American politics, interest groups and the federal judicial confirmation process, interest groups in judicial elections, and interest group participation in litigation and “cause” lawyering. The course will provide students with the theoretical and empirical background to examine and assess current political events such as the recent Sotomayor appointment, the controversy surrounding special interest spending in judicial elections, and the contemporary importance of conservative interest group litigation.