While most of the attention of the nation is drawn to the presidential election, there are many states that will be holding elections for their supreme and appellate courts. Once again, record sums of money are being raised for the support of and opposition to judicial candidates. Much of that money will be spent on television advertising, and we can expect to see a number of attack ads.
The debate continues to rage as to whether judges should be elected or appointed. Proponents and critics of both methods of judicial selection can make valid points to support their respective views. However, no one can dispute that the rise of attack advertising in judicial elections and the growth of special interest spending from all sides of the political spectrum is threatening to seriously erode the public’s confidence in the judiciary.
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For additional information, please see the DRI Judicial Task Force Report - Without Fear or Favor.pdf (5.42 mb)