(Commentary by Lillian Bevier, David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita) Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar is one of the six judges whom President Trump is considering to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Kennedy’s retirement. For the last seven years, Judge Thapar and I have co-taught an intensive week-long class about judicial philosophy at the UVA Law School. In this context, I have learned much about his approach to judging and his understanding of the judicial role.