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

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

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?