Duke Law Journal’s 45th Annual Administrative Law Symposium explores rising dysfunction within the federal appointments process.

“Shortening Vacancies” with Anne Joseph O’Connell & William A. Galston

“Effects of Senate Confirmation Delays in the Agencies” with Nina A. Mendelson & David E. Lewis

John M. de Figueiredo, moderator.

Conference titled: Is the Appointments Process Broken?: Insights from Practice, Process, and Theory

Duke Law Journal’s 45th Annual Administrative Law Symposium explores rising dysfunction within the federal appointments process.

Audience question and answer session moderated by Professor John M. de Figueiredo.

Conference titled: Is the Appointments Process Broken?: Insights from Practice, Process, and Theory

The theme of this year's conference is the effect of the Internet on agency decision-making. Questions to be addressed by panelists in attendance, a collection of representatives from federal agencies, academic institutions and Internet journalists "bloggers" include: When hundreds of thousands of people submit form comments to an agency, how does that affect Chevron or hard look review? Do e-mail campaigns reflect true grassroots activism in the public comment process, or are they merely "astroturfing?" Can the Internet ameliorate the collective action problem?