The Myth of the Generalist Judge

47 Pages Posted: 14 May 2007 Last revised: 12 Nov 2008

Abstract

Conventional judicial wisdom assumes and indeed celebrates the ideal of the generalist judge, but do judges really believe in it? This Article empirically tests this question by examining opinion assignments in the federal courts of appeals from 1995-2005. It reveals that opinion specialization is a regular part of circuit court practice, and that a significant number of judges specialize in specific subject areas. The Article then assesses the desirability of opinion specialization. Far from being a mere loophole, opinion specialization turns out to be an important development in judicial practice that promises to increase judicial expertise without incurring many of the costs commonly associated with specialized courts.

Keywords: specialization, courts, judges, empirical

Suggested Citation

Cheng, Edward K., The Myth of the Generalist Judge. Brooklyn Law School, Legal Studies Paper No. 81, Stanford Law Review, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=985677

Edward K. Cheng (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States
615-875-7630 (Phone)

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