How do judicial appointments affect a country's political landscape?
Judicial appointments significantly impact a country's political landscape by influencing the interpretation of laws and the constitution. Judges possess the authority to shape policy through their decisions on critical issues, such as civil rights, healthcare, and immigration. Appointments often reflect a president's ideological stance, which can create lasting effects on the judicial system for decades. Changes in the judiciary can lead to shifts in legal precedents that affect society and governance. Furthermore, the politicization of these appointments can heighten tensions between branches of government and affect public trust in the impartiality of the judiciary.