The Full Read · Article by Article
Jeffrey S. Sutton
Sixth Circuit · appt. Bush
7/7
🥇 Fit for the Bench
1Ethics & Recusalcritical
74%★ earned
“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause.” — Madison, Federalist No. 10
No documented disclosure or recusal lapse; as chief judge oversees misconduct complaints, reflecting engagement with judicial-ethics processes.
2Fidelity to Democracycritical
76%★ earned
“…a government of laws, and not of men.” — Marshall, Marbury v. Madison
Federalism scholar and Judicial Conference leader; no documented defiance of higher courts or anti-democratic conduct.
3Judicial Temperament
74%★ earned
“Justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.” — Frankfurter
Widely regarded as collegial and measured; no documented complaints of abusive conduct.
4Reason, Not Ideology
75%★ earned
“We are not final because we are infallible…” — Robert H. Jackson
Known for reasoned, scholarly opinions on state constitutions and federalism rather than grievance-driven rhetoric.
5Intellectual Honesty & Precedent
74%★ earned
“…to stand by things decided.” (stare decisis) — the common-law maxim
Long record of candid, consistent jurisprudence; no documented departures from stare decisis or testimony flagged.
6Independence from Party
72%★ earned
“The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential.” — Hamilton, Federalist No. 78
Cross-ideologically respected jurist whose federalism work draws praise across the spectrum; modest positive signal on independence.
7Personal Integrity
76%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No documented criminal, civil, or ethical matter; clean personal record over two decades on the bench.
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Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Ethics & Recusal or Fidelity to Democracy and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →