Introduction : why do U.S. presidents pursue (or not pursue) the goal of diversity to choose federal judges? -- A brief history of diversity on the federal bench -- Why Democrats support diversifying the courts -- Why Republicans oppose diversifying the courts -- Sitting judges discuss diversity -- Diversity, party identification, and political legitimacy -- Legitimacy and gender diversity on the bench -- Legitimacy and racial diversity on the bench -- Legitimacy and descriptive/substantive representation -- Legitimacy and Party Identification -- Conclusion : the legitimacy of the U.S. courts is under attack.