How do federal judges obtain their positions?

Federal judges in the United States are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Here are the steps that outline the process for a federal judge to obtain their position:

1. Nomination: The first step is the nomination by the President of the United States. The President often selects nominees based on their legal expertise, judicial philosophy, and sometimes, political considerations. Recommendations can also come from senators, current judges and justices, or from members of the President's political party.

2. Background Checks: Once nominated, the candidate undergoes an extensive background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and a review by the American Bar Association, which evaluates the nominee's qualifications.

3. Judiciary Committee Hearing: The nominee then faces a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where they testify before the committee, answering questions about their qualifications, past rulings or legal opinions, and judicial philosophy.

4. Committee Vote: After the hearing, the Judiciary Committee votes on whether to report the nominee to the full Senate for a vote.

5. Senate Debate: Once the nominee is reported out of committee, the full Senate debates the nomination. Some confirmations proceed quickly, while others can be extensive, especially if the nomination is controversial.

6. Confirmation Vote: Finally, the Senate holds a confirmation vote. A simple majority is required for the confirmation of a federal judge. If confirmed, the judge receives their commission, takes their judicial oath, and begins their appointment.

7. Lifetime Appointment: Federal judges are appointed for life, "during good Behavior" as stated in the U.S. Constitution, meaning they can serve on the bench until they resign, retire, pass away, or are impeached and removed by Congress.