The Full Read · Article by Article
Stephen Andrew Higginson
Fifth Circuit · appt. Obama
7/7
🥇 Fit for the Bench
1Ethics & Recusalcritical
73%★ earned
“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause.” — Madison, Federalist No. 10
Former federal prosecutor and professor; no documented ethics, gift, or recusal lapses; presides on FISA Court of Review.
2Fidelity to Democracycritical
76%★ earned
“…a government of laws, and not of men.” — Marshall, Marbury v. Madison
Widely regarded institutionalist on the Fifth Circuit; opinions emphasize precedent and judicial restraint.
3Judicial Temperament
74%★ earned
“Justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.” — Frankfurter
Reputation for collegiality and measured writing; no documented civility complaints.
4Reason, Not Ideology
74%★ earned
“We are not final because we are infallible…” — Robert H. Jackson
Frequently cited for reasoned, precedent-anchored opinions rather than result-driven rhetoric.
5Intellectual Honesty & Precedent
74%★ earned
“…to stand by things decided.” (stare decisis) — the common-law maxim
Consistent respect for stare decisis noted by commentators; no documented candor issues.
6Independence from Party
72%★ earned
“The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential.” — Hamilton, Federalist No. 78
Obama appointee often writing separately from the Fifth Circuit majority, showing documented independence.
7Personal Integrity
76%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No documented corruption, criminal, or civil matters; clean personal 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 →