Recess Appointments Archives
Recess Appointments

Recess appointments have been used by US presidents to fill vacancies within administrative agencies, judicial benches, and other positions within the federal government that require confirmation by the US Senate. The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of NLRB v. Canning in the October term of 2013. Before oral arguments are held, read here about the history of the recess appointment, notable appointments, and background to the case currently before the Court.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emporer

On December 25, 800 A.D., Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome, Italy. During his lifetime, Charlemagne united most of Western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He is credited with spreading the rule of law throughout his dominions as well as starting the French and German monarchies.

President Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederates

On December 25, 1868, President Andrew Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to all who had been involved in "insurrection or rebellion" during the US Civil War.