Definition

An informal Senate practice where home-state senators can block judicial nominees by refusing to return a blue form to the Judiciary Committee, essentially giving individual senators a veto over judges in their state. It's tradition masquerading as rule.

Example Usage

The senator withheld his blue slip for the circuit court nominee, dooming the nomination despite the candidate's qualifications.

Origin

Senate custom dating to early 20th century, named for the actual blue paper used

Fun Fact

The blue slip is entirely a matter of tradition with no legal foundation, meaning Judiciary Committee chairs can choose to ignore it—and increasingly do when their party controls the White House, making 'tradition' last exactly as long as it's convenient.

Source: Senate Judiciary Committee procedures and judicial nominations research

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