Electing judges is a dirty business. The Founding Fathers had it right -- allow the duly elected politicians to appoint and confirm the judges initially, but after that, they should be good for life unless they commit "high crimes and misdemeanors."
Alas, here in Oregon, we have a different model, with judges running for re-election every six years. Just what government needs -- more pandering politicians. Anyway, if you're wondering who's who in the upcoming elections for the black muumuu's, the Oregon State Bar is offering some useful information, and its members' views on the candidates, here.
One thing you'll note if you head over there: There aren't many contested judicial races this time around. That's probably a good thing.
Comments (3)
I'm going to slightly disagree with you Jack. I think electing judges is an insane way of doing things since the loser will most likely have to go before the winner while arguing cases. I also think a lifetime appointment is wrong. Instead, let them be appointed but for a fixed amount of time, 10-15 years is probably a decent enough length.
Judicial races are ridiculous because no one ever dares challenge an incumbent! Look at your ballot next time and you'll see the incumbents all running unopposed, every last one of them, no exceptions. It's not surprising -- what lawyer in their right mind would want to run against a judge who they likely will have to deal with in court at some point? The whole thing is absurd (even leaving aside the question of whether judicial candidates should be forced to pander to voters). I do think that appointed judges should be subject every five years or so to some kind of expert panel that would evaluate their performance using objective criteria and feedback from the public. This panel could be partly elected.
Charamba, Douro 2008
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Lorelle, Horse Heaven Hills, Pinot Grigio 2011
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La Vielle Ferme, Rose 2011
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Lello, Douro Tinto 2009
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Buenas Ondas, Syrah Rose 2010
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Nobilo Icon, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2009
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14 Hands, Hot to Trot Red 2009
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Abacela, Vintner's Blend #11
Portuga, White 2010
La Bourgeoisie, Red 2009
Januik, Red 2009
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Kirkland, Alexander Valley Merlot 2008
Muga, Rioja Rose 2010
Quinta das Amoras, Vinho Tinto 2009
Mauro Molino, Barbera d'Alba 2009
Garda Chiaretto Rose
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Garda, Classico Chiaretto Rose
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 1999
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La Granja 360, Syrah 2009
Montgras, Carmenere Reserva 2009
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Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet 2008
Kirkland, Pinot Grigio 2010
Trader Joe's Coastal Syrah 2009
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2008
Trader Joe's Coastal Chardonnay 2009
Vieux Papes Red
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Santa Rita, Cabernet, Medalla Real 2007
Penfold's, Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008
Guild, Red, Lot #02 2008
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Laforet, Burgogne Chardonnay 2009
Columbia Winery, Merlot 2007
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Elk Cove, Pinot Gris 2009
Maquis Lien 2006
Scott Paul, Pinot Noir, Le Paulee 2007
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Sharon Creech - Walk Two Moons
Keith Richards - Life
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Mark Herrmann - The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law
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Miles run year to date: 21
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In 2003: 269
Comments (3)
I'm going to slightly disagree with you Jack. I think electing judges is an insane way of doing things since the loser will most likely have to go before the winner while arguing cases. I also think a lifetime appointment is wrong. Instead, let them be appointed but for a fixed amount of time, 10-15 years is probably a decent enough length.
Posted by Darrin | April 21, 2010 1:23 PM
Fifteen would be better than 10. But I still dislike putting judges before the angry mob.
Posted by Jack Bog | April 21, 2010 1:26 PM
Judicial races are ridiculous because no one ever dares challenge an incumbent! Look at your ballot next time and you'll see the incumbents all running unopposed, every last one of them, no exceptions. It's not surprising -- what lawyer in their right mind would want to run against a judge who they likely will have to deal with in court at some point? The whole thing is absurd (even leaving aside the question of whether judicial candidates should be forced to pander to voters). I do think that appointed judges should be subject every five years or so to some kind of expert panel that would evaluate their performance using objective criteria and feedback from the public. This panel could be partly elected.
Posted by Semi-Cynic | April 21, 2010 2:13 PM