At a time when activist judges too often blur the line between legislation and adjudication, Gov. Kelly Ayotte made the right call in nominating Bryan Gould to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. For conservatives, this is a moment worth applauding, not because of political allegiance but because Gould exemplifies the judicial virtues we care most about: textual fidelity, restraint, and a belief that courts should interpret laws, not make them.

At its best, conservatism in the legal arena is not about political outcomes; it’s about how we interpret and apply the law. It is about following the Constitution as written, deference to the separation of powers, and respect for precedent where appropriate. These are the guardrails that prevent courts from becoming unelected legislatures and protect

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