He earned his Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University. His research focuses on issues of judicial politics, public opinion, and political institutions. Some of his current research investigates potential for promotion among District and Circuit Court judges and how this potential influences various outcomes. Some of his other research examines how the public responds to Supreme Court decisions, and how conceptions of representation influence attitudes towards courts. He teaches courses in public law, including Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, and Judicial Politics.