Retired Judge Charles Pickering talked about his book, A Price Too High: The Judiciary in Jeopardy, published by Stroud and Hall. The book tells the story of his experience with the judicial confirmation process. He argued that the politicization of the confirmation process compromises the quality of the American justice system and reduces the number of judges who are willing to undergo the process in order to serve. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. In May 2001, President George W. Bush nominated Charles Pickering for a judgeship on the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. His nomination was not confirmed by the Senate during the course of the next two and a half years, due to resistance from Democrats who disagreed with his positions on abortion and civil rights. In January 2004 President Bush gave him a recess appointment, which was valid until Congress adjourned in December 2004. In December 2004, Judge Pickering withdrew his name from consideration for the appointment and retired from the federal bench.