Post by Swimmy on Jan 20, 2008 23:39:53 GMT -5
Court upholds NY judicial nominee system
This is just a sad sad day. So much for a truly independent judiciary. Currently, state supreme court trial judges have to pass muster from a committee that screens candidates. If you don't survive you can't run. I understand the pro for the committee, it makes sure that those candidates are fit to be judges. And considering the fact that a trial judge serves a 14-year term, we want to make sure that we have the best qualified candidates ruing for the position. Many times in practice, however, it's the person who is best politically connected -- not necessarily the best qualified -- who is allowed to run.
I was really hoping the supreme court would decide differently on this. I'm waiting to see their published opinion before I comment further.
EDIT: I forgot, it's posted on the Supreme Court's official website. You can download a PDF copy by clicking here
I'm still reading the decision.
This is just a sad sad day. So much for a truly independent judiciary. Currently, state supreme court trial judges have to pass muster from a committee that screens candidates. If you don't survive you can't run. I understand the pro for the committee, it makes sure that those candidates are fit to be judges. And considering the fact that a trial judge serves a 14-year term, we want to make sure that we have the best qualified candidates ruing for the position. Many times in practice, however, it's the person who is best politically connected -- not necessarily the best qualified -- who is allowed to run.
I was really hoping the supreme court would decide differently on this. I'm waiting to see their published opinion before I comment further.
EDIT: I forgot, it's posted on the Supreme Court's official website. You can download a PDF copy by clicking here
I'm still reading the decision.