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Figure 1: Decision Tree for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

Description

From the article "The Pitfalls of Prediction," February 26, 2013.

  1. Was the lower court decision liberal? If yes, reverse the decision. If no, go to the next question.
  2. Was the case from the 2nd District, 3rd District, D.C. or Federal Circuit? If yes, affirm the decision. If no, go to the next question.
  3. Was the respondent an entity other than the U.S. government? If no, reverse the decision. If yes, go to the next question.
  4. Was the case concerning civil rights, 1st Amendment, economic or federalism issue? If no, affirm the decision. If yes, reverse the decision.