A panel of U.S. judges gave candid insight into the judicial decision-making process among appellate courts. Judge Edith Jones with the Fifth Circuit says because of the high volume of cases, lawyers must be factual and efficient with their briefings and make their best case in oral arguments. Judge Brett Kavanaugh said appellate judges recognize they are not the executive branch or lawmakers but they know their role in the checks and balances process and take their decision making role seriously.