Constraining the Scope of Conflict: Republicans' Strategic Use of Courts to Advance Unpopular Policy Change

• In Event: JSS: Courts and Policymaking

Brief Overview

Republicans use the courts to advance unpopular policy positions without having to take difficult votes in Congress. Party leaders then justify their opposition to policy restoration on legal grounds, removing conflict from the political arena.

Authors

• Kumar Ramanathan, Northwestern University

• Warren L. Snead, Northwestern University