The Full Read · Article by Article
Michael Yale Scudder Jr.
Seventh Circuit · appt. Trump
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
Recused from an Indiana abortion case tied to his former firm; the disclosure and recusal reflect ethics compliance, not a lapse.
2Fidelity to Democracycritical
74%★ earned
“…a government of laws, and not of men.” — Marshall, Marbury v. Madison
No documented concerns with rule of law or precedent; conventional appellate record.
3Judicial Temperament
74%★ earned
“Justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.” — Frankfurter
Widely respected, teaches at University of Chicago, and has publicly discussed oral-argument civility; no documented complaints.
4Reason, Not Ideology
73%★ earned
“We are not final because we are infallible…” — Robert H. Jackson
Opinions reflect careful legal reasoning; no documented grievance-driven rhetoric.
5Intellectual Honesty & Precedent
73%★ earned
“…to stand by things decided.” (stare decisis) — the common-law maxim
No documented inconsistencies with testimony or stare decisis; strong candor reputation.
6Independence from Party
68%★ earned
“The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential.” — Hamilton, Federalist No. 78
Trump appointee; limited documented crossings, scored at neutral default.
7Personal Integrity
75%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No documented scandal or legal matter; clean personal-conduct record.
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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 →