State Judge Selection Criteria
Compare and contrast the methods that states use within their selection process for judges, and specify the selection criteria that each state that you reviewed have in common. Provide specific examples to support your rationale.
Identify at least two (2) risks associated with selecting judges via a non-partisan election process. Explain the key reasons why you believe each risk could potentially inhibit the fairness of trials. Provide specific examples to support your rationale.
State Judge Selection Criteria
Methods of judicial selection vary substantially across the United States. Though each state has a unique set of guidelines governing how they fill their state and local judiciaries, there are five main methods: partisan elections, nonpartisan elections, legislative elections, gubernatorial appointment, and assisted appointment. The difference between partisan and nonpartisan methods is that in partisan elections, judges are elected by the people, and candidates are listed on the ballot alongside a label designating political party affiliation, while in nonpartisan judges are elected by the people, and candidates are listed on the ballot without a label designating party affiliation. Partisan and nonpartisan methods have one thing in common; in both, judges are elected by the people.
