ANN ARBOR—U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter?s pending retirement will give President Barack Obama his first chance to nominate a replacement to the nation?s highest court.

University of Michigan experts are available to discuss this historic decision and the confirmation process.

They include:

Richard Friedman, the Ralph W. Aigler Professor of Law, U-M Law School, is an expert on evidence and Supreme Court history. He can be reached at (734) 647-1078 or [email protected].

Richard Primus, a law professor, U-M Law School, teaches the law, theory, and history of the U.S. Constitution. He can be reached at (734) 647-5543 or [email protected].

Michael Traugott, a professor of communication studies and senior research scientist, Institute for Social Research Center for Political Studies, is an authority on political communication, public opinion, media polling and campaign surveys. He can be contacted at (734) 846-4469 or [email protected].