(Commentary co-written by Kevin Cope, research assistant professor of law and a faculty affiliate with the Department of Politics) The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh are off to a contentious start, replete with protesters and an accusation of “mob rule.” The hearings will likely provide more drama than substance. Republicans will defend Kavanaugh as principled, Democrats will brand him as extreme, and Kavanaugh himself will reveal as little as possible.