Judicial elections, democratic appointment (e.g., senate confirmation), and the Missouri Plan (a/k/a "merit selection")

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Monday, August 25, 2014

Michigan Supreme Court Nominees

As Gavel Grab writes, "Both political parties have nominated their candidates for three seats on the Michigan Supreme Court, kicking off the general election season." See more

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Supports Democratic Appointment of Justices

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeff Bivins supports an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution under which that the governor would appoint Tennessee appellate court judges, subject to legislative confirmation, and followed by retention elections. The question is one of four proposed amendments before voters statewide on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Should Retired Judges be Able to Practice Law?

Retired judges practicing law raises serious concerns, which is one reason to support judicial retention systems (like life tenure or a long term of years) that keep a judge on the bench until retirement age. Bills to prevent retired judges from practicing law were recently introduced in Puerto Rico.

Bill Raftery explains:

two bills contending with the issue of retired judges that would effectively ban the former jurists from practicing law. PC 1270 as introduced would have prohibited a retired Chief Justice or President Judge of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico from representing any person before a court, administrative or quasi-judicial agency. Prohibits person from providing such courts/agencies legal services. As amended the bill would have allowed a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico to restart their law practice, but prohibited them from appearing in court, administrative proceedings, alternative dispute forums, or generally representing people or corporations in any proceeding. Further, the amended bill provided that the person’s judicial pension is forfeited where such representations take place. It was approved by the full House 10/10/13 and is pending in the Senate Judicial, Security, and Veterans Committee. A similar bill (PC 1311) identical to the original PC 1270 remains in the House Labor and Public Service Retirement Systems Committee.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Arkansas Judicial Selection

Discussed here by Bill Raftery.  He provides good information but I wish he'd drop the advocacy phrase "merit selection" for commission based (or "Missouri Plan") selection processes.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Kansas Supreme Court Applicants Interview Schedules

The interviews (Aug. 4 and 5) at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka are open to the public but cameras and recording devices are prohibited.  The applicants for the Kansas Supreme Court position are listed here.