Jennifer Mascott: Nominee for Third Circuit, Clerking for Gorsuch & Thomas

Judicial Philosophy and Clerkship Experience

• ⚖️ Jennifer Mascott expresses deep honor for serving alongside and teaching with Justices Thomas and Kavanaugh, emphasizing their humility and understanding of a federal judge's limited role.
• 💡 She highlights the importance of judges fairly applying legal principles, examining the public understanding of text in the Constitution and statutes, and acting with justice and fairness.

Mentoring Students and Litigation Clinics

• 📚 Mascott found immense honor in teaching students at GW and Scalia Law School, particularly in founding litigation clinics focused on separation of powers.
• 🎯 These clinics provided practical experience in writing briefs and examining important constitutional issues, including filing amicus briefs in the Supreme Court on behalf of members of Congress.
• 🏛️ The work often dealt with significant issues such as student loan payments, the Chevron doctrine, and the interaction across all three branches of government.

Experience with Congress and Separated Powers

• 🗣️ Mascott is grateful for opportunities to testify before the Senate Judiciary and House Judiciary Committees on topics like executive privilege and the role of federal courts.
• 🔍 Her experience has provided insight into how Congress unpacks legal questions and upholds its Article One powers, including policymaking and establishing the rule of law.
• 🌐 She emphasizes the federal government's designedly limited role in preserving the freedom of states, families, religious institutions, and local communities.

Influence of Scholarship on Judicial Approach

• 📜 Mascott's scholarship has been cited by the Supreme Court, influencing her approach to precedent as a judge.
• 🧠 Her experience as a professor studying and writing on the Constitution has deepened her love and respect for the document and its focus on preserving liberty and freedom.
• 📜 She notes the founders' focus on accountability for governmental actors and the preeminence of elections in selecting policymakers.