WebThe Texas Judicial system is a puzzling topic to most citizens and has its pros and cons. In reality, however, that system is broken. It failed. I hate election day because leader already chosen its just a formality to vote. Thanks for sharing the details. Elections ensure that judges are accountable to the people. You're in good company with countless graduate-degreed Texans. In theory, the concept of electing judges seems fair. The law is non-partisan. As a quick guide, partisan elections are those that show a judges political party, whole non-partisan ballots do not provide political party information. To see more, visit KUT 90.5. You can check out the pros and cons and make your own decision. Please join the effort by making a gift today. September 16, 2012. I juggle work, the kid's activities, family life, and blogging. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Seven states choose their judges in partisan elections at every level. She'd ask lawyer friends who they'd recommend and why. The 2020 election year is well underway, which means youve probably been considering where to cast your vote. Others argue elections provide a way for the people to hold judges accountable and that the key to keeping courts fair and impartial is by educating the public.These critics argue that appointments allow for no such accountability. Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. Amplify your impact and donate now. Such lawyers would be likely to serve in an appointed system, however. The Death Penalty allows families that have been suffering some closure. Commission members overwhelmingly support increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections. Republicans often take a harsher view of criminals. Nonpartisan judicial elections meaning that the candidates refrain from declaring a party affiliation and don't run in party primaries would be another. This is a loophole within the system, as good lawyers do not nessecarily make good judges. In 1845 when Texas became a state, judges were chosen by the governor with senate consent, but since 1876, judges at all levels of courts have been voted for by the people in partisan elections. 1. ~nFZsB5R3$D= +KnR)~tBn~'l%!Gv The federal government uses appointment, relying on presidents to pick judges and on the U.S. Senate to confirm the qualified ones, sorting legal wizards from rotten eggs. "How many voters are smart enough to interpret legal decisions and judge the judges?" She also urges voters not to be swayed by yard signs. During election years, judges are more likely to rule in accordance with the popular opinion of citizens rather than what is legally fair or right. Supporters of tort reform believe that huge jury awards are not only excessive to the injury sustained by the plaintiff but also a void on the states economy and is damaging to certain professions. Judges arent supposed to pre-judge cases; theyre supposed to hear the facts, read the law and rule accordingly, and without infusing their personal ideas and biases. Lim points out that governors have an advantage when appointing judges because they are likely to have more accurate information about the political preferences WebThe election of judges can initially affect the way justice in Texas is seen by not balancing the true equality of the Electoral Fraud And Election Fraud There are four possible solutions to election fraud. "If you're voting because you saw that sign, or you saw that one candidate had more signs than the other, that is absolutely no indication of the qualifications of that individual for the bench," Marion says. All rights reserved. The Texas Standard and public radio stations across the state have been working together to help you make sense of the midterms through our Texas Decides project, inviting listeners to send in their questions. Good judges support all of these systems, and good judges hate all of them. Judges are appointed, usually by the governor. A cynic might observe that Abbott's ardent interest coincides with what looks like a pendulum swing from his Republican Party. It ensures that they maintain high ethical standards and follow the constitution to the end for fear of being voted out if they do the contrary. Like most everything else, the wisdom of the populace directly choosing those that will judge them is frequently debated. Here are some of the pros and cons of electing judges. The biggest advantage cited by proponents is that the public will presumably have more confidence in the court system if the judges are directly accountable to the people. Judge "Once you get elected, you really have to take that political hat off. I believe that one day the process of electing judges will be fixed and the right way will appear. stream Having two high courts can lead to pros and cons, but when comparing to other states both courts allow us to see how each are able to reflect on a higher number of interests than would be possible if there were only a single high court. His interest in this issueis not new. In addition, elected judges do not appear less independent than appointed judges. In a normal election, candidates in the races at the top for president, for governor and the like are usually well known to voters. If the people feel that a judge is doing a poor job or is abusing their power, the people have an opportunity to vote in Some Republican judges were thrown out with the 2018 election and that trend could continue. | Disclaimer | Sitemap ]r7OZ,K[,N)&[[*p$a h&UWu/pqOr `>rND$g@uyW a`@| FkLV[Bk>2_.vWu`CJA*D`G65X6Nn#lmB!d{F2yH.oyV\\""/X#IUT@og3n$Q,WB+\g?ULL_]'_\W_WJ#Ny1C{yL=X5nFME? Lim's study was funded by the National Science Foundation. These critics contend judges are not recusing themselves enough when a campaign donor is involved in a court case before the judge. The Texas Judicial system is described as complicated, negligent, and poorly structured to handle current legal proceedings. Why do we do this? Opponents argue that tort reform is not only legislative tampering with the judicial system but favors these powerful professions and business interest groups who seek to be protected from punishment for practices and products that cause harm to citizens. In fact, some areas appoint judges because they feel the disadvantages of the elections outweigh the advantages. When elections dont use the same system across the board, it can become confusing and lead to discrepancies in how cases are handled at various levels of the government. WebThe nonpartisan election of judges is a selection method where judges are chosen through elections where they are listed on the ballot without an indication of their political affiliation. But another bill, authored by state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, passed with Abbott's enthusiastic support. In 1988 there were three justices on the ballot each year, on a nine justice court, but because of officials stepping down there were six races for the supreme court on the ballot during this year. State Judicial Selection: A Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Various Selection Methods. Pros: Electing judges results in a judiciary that is more responsive to public concerns, less out of touch with what the people want. Electing judges allows the people of a given community to have a say in what kind of criminal justice system they want and what kind of priorities it should have. WebSince the Judicial College is mostly focused on training those from the lower courts, this means that training for judges within the higher echelons of the judiciary such as the High Court (for example) is not compulsory. When Judge Marion runs, she knows it's difficult for voters to learn about her. All rights reserved. The Pay is Good. Lapel Pin Placement: 4 Effective Ways to Wear a Lapel Pin, 4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit. Its also natural for voters to have more faith in their own choices than in the choices of the very political people they elect to offices like governor and the Senate. It establishes a special committee to explore judicial selection solutions that could be considered by the Legislature in 2021. Jan. 20, 202012 AM Central. Helps lessen the problem of overpopulated prisons. The initial term of office for the supreme court is ten years, while district court judges are elected to six-year terms. Throughout the years pro-plaintiff versus pro-defendant has changed since 1988. w69"""eUFeyj@uf$}KxPg?>(JEz Q3E!8(-iOBEwk^7/!=t%[ You have to do the work. But Abbott is a lawyer who used to be a district judge and Texas Supreme Court justice. In the case of state court judges, for example, elected judges are far more variable in their sentencing than appointed judges, according to a new study. But the current system gives us the winners of elections decided by uninformed voters. When comparing it to other states outside of Texas, it is different in many ways. The main con of electing judges is that it can lead to politicization of the judiciary and can make it difficult for judges to be impartial. Full transparency is essential. "Long" as in decades. But owing their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns makes it harder. Lol I must admit I am one of those who feel that judges and other government officials are in the pockets of large corporations. Texas elects judges, relying on voters to sort through pages and pages of ballot undergrowth, figuring out which candidates are fit to put on the judicial robes. Candidates have to go out and gain the trust of the people. Jp=oLH?cK-GeKV'J;1]{^ |cYhWYfZ The clean slate in 1988, was the rallying cry Texas physicians and a union of other business and professional groups used eight years ago when they decided to take back the supreme court. Marion ran as a Republican, but stressed the job is nonpartisan. Many say that the law is non-partisan and judges should be too. One problem with elections is that many judges never need to run against an opponent. Perhaps that biggest problem with electing judges is that not all elections are the same. Meanwhile, an appointed state panel is talking about judicial selection again this happens from time to time in Texas trying to find a better way. uGF3v?._?G/v>\`9 ?t>[dY_ZS3NU!T#F;=?) Right again; a Democratic lawyer. x]}[$@ssbqn<9*'_ d7u\.\1?9Toy]u;x(|cu*gO`9O~_~sz`O>9~qwzYr7t.+S/[k;yQ7K/gOwo\Ntc_^w8SNBh4O6;xWM{(^Bw])SvoSWeO6z6u0s3]KG* H>qNxm\}6c.LXYF.S_UL$n`+~:?jlA}E{g30L2E:/ajiU Ym7&FXzVmCY[(OUdRQi3RuPd_&[ [u:^(N~%iH1dah3uY-e34Hb {IPp?~O'tUDdTVVgB t &J9h(-SyQNB(Q2!$Api 1 u[[4DZ{&BQ6Xy>9P%(S!cI]"_i(=&^Jv:d8kI%H $Y U2yc0n#y&9g ]>p~} i`Cm>ei3hYam gk?aF@B7 They further argue that even if a judge remains impartial, elections create anappearanceof impropriety that damages the public'sperceptionof the judiciary. At the top of the Texas court system sit two high courts, the Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. If the committee devises a new system As in states like Texas, where judges are elected like everyone else, thats subject to outside influence by political donors and interest groups hoping to influence the direction of the courts, if not the outcomes of specific cases. Double your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday. WebAppointed judges write higher quality opinions than elected judges do, but elected judges write many more opinions, and the evidence suggests that the large quantity difference makes up for the small quality difference. But the effort has grown legs lately in no small part because Gov. Its a grab bag, evidenced whenever a party sweep clears a courthouse full of incumbents, as happened in Harris County in 2018. Law Office of Gretchen J. Kenney. FEEDBACK: What is your view: Appoint judges or elect them? The Texas Judicial system is a puzzling topic to most citizens and has its pros and cons. The Law Office of Gretchen J. Kenney assists clients with Elder Law, including Long-Term Care Planning for Medi-Cal and Veterans Pension (Aid & Attendance) Benefits, Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, and Conservatorships in the San Francisco Bay Area. That's a blatant conflict of interest. Should judges WebPros Cons Judges who are appointed are more likely to be highly qualified than elected judges. And I remember being very uncomfortable doing those things.". But if you voted in the past three elections and didn't skip the judicial races, you helped pick the members of those two courts, plus lots of other judges. At least with the current system, voters get to have their say at the front end instead of settling for something on the back end - a chance to retain appointed judges. What you need to know, Beaumont United holds off West Brook in 6A regional, Southeast Texas team takes top prize at 2023 Houston rodeo cookoff, Rare endangered animal seen running across Texas road, It's almost bluebonnet season. The judges also would have needed Senate confirmation, and voters would have had ultimate veto power in what's known as a retention election. 2023 www.caller.com. The voters in this case have more information about the candidates, but the partisan nature of the exercise is obvious to anyone who has followed a U.S. Supreme Court appointment and confirmation. You also have to pick a party. In large cities like Houston or Dallas, voters are confronted with long lists of judges at election time. Photos: Were you 'seen' at United-Brook basketball game? Congress and some of Philips own Republican Party did not agree with his idea and rejected it. Its our 10th year participating in Amplify, and to celebrate, weve got $15,000 in matching funds from four generous Tribune supporters. And it's not always easy for everyone to do," she says. Rather than focus on donations and endorsements from corporations to ensure WebEach side has pros and cons. "Then when you voted for a judge you knew who you were voting for and what you were getting." Even the Texas lawmakers who want to change the way the state selects judges are wary of taking that power away from voters. Rather than focus on donations and endorsements from corporations to ensure appointment, they must prove fairness and adherence to the law to keep citizens invested in keeping them in the courtroom. The Diane Rehm Show discusses how judicial elections and appointment processes impact fairness in state courts. Some judges find the election process daunting, as well. 0,0 % CQ QXJXX$An>{t_+Q|G^5j&GzdUJqs^Xz1=wb1sx SE&{4627>5Ok !~3vMnk=%tx%{M+w6J|{d$)n20WLw8I2'IQ\agDDb}H48+HH/'5nwKmgO.XLZ8t ^[Z=( Usually, they know little or nothing about these "candidates." I believe that the selection of judges in texas should be reformed. In fact, during election years, judges are more likely to hand down rulings are too harsh for the crime committed simply because they want to prove to the community that they are hard on crime. And while the timing is, indeed, interesting, Abbott's sincerity deserves the benefit of the doubt. Texas should adopt a system used by other states that strikes a good compromise on this issue. Texas is the forefront of the tort reform movement in the United States. "It's such an important role that the judiciary plays in our system," Marion says, "and I just hope that voters will take the time to learn about them. Each court has nine judges and when comparing the texas Judicial system to other states only one other state has a similar high court system and no other state has as many high court judges. Pros of Being a Judge. 2. That recognition doesnt often travel far down the ballot, and judges are elected largely on the basis of political party and whether they have melodious names. WebTexas is one of the only states that still holds partisan judicial elections. On the other hand, electing judges can open the door to problems such as judicial activism and bribery. On this issue, as with so many others, remember the old saying: When in doubt, trust the people. Thats a hard sale to make. Veterans Pension Benefits (Aid & Attendance). Thanks to Hunter for writing and passing the review bill, Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, for carrying the bill that failed, and Abbott for pressing the issue. This means interacting with their districts and providing plans on how they intend to handle the cases that come before them in the courtroom. The judicial system has many pros and cons, but i believe that all government officials just want whats best for texas and its citizens. Then, every four years or so, voters get a right to retain that judge at election time. WebWeighing the Cons. Texas deserves a selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament. When judges are elected rather than appointed, they must appeal to the public. It is safe to say that election fraud can be stopped by voter fraud more than most things. Question: 1. Welcome to A Nation of Moms! Phone: 650-931-2505 | Fax: 650-931-2506 4hMWV5Pfu9oUc@+ -CK})_$].. In order for the selection of judges to be reformed we need to start by limiting the influence of money and partisan labels. Discuss the pros and cons of electing judges in Texas. t(tqT w7Q7#MP}Rg:yfQw%zas$mn"03(o6!5_LEq. RLMR0VXC:L[lGf bha3jRUfB+B";7|sW!z"9f+4S ] Many have failed, been rejected and have given up, while others take rejection has a reason to fight harder and fix the Judicial system. Lim points out that public critique during a campaign is a disincentive to lawyers to seek office; this can result in the best candidate for a judgeship declining to compete for the position. Shes been a judge for 26 years, and shes had to run for office several times. Some cities, counties, and states use partisan elections while others use non-partisan elections. Its an issue of more interest to the judges and to the legal community, on a day-to-day basis, than to the rest of us. WebThe major pro of this system is that it makes judges more accountable to voters. Justice is better served. Voters elect Texas' judges. The state might take that power but it's risky. | The Texas Tribune Analysis: Voters elect Texas' judges. The state might take that power but it's risky. Even the Texas lawmakers who want to change the way the state selects judges are wary of taking that power away from voters. Texas Supreme Court System Analysis Essay, Texas Vs. Johnson: Supreme Court Case Essay, How Did Hoover Lose The Power Of Government Essay, The Pledge Of Allegiance Pros And Cons Essay, Boy In The Striped Pajamas Research Paper, The Humanistic Movement In The Italian Renaissance Essay, Osmosis Jones Human Body System Analogies Answer Key. Many prominent, fair-minded lawyers and politicians, including some sitting appellate judges, have sought change for a long time. Elected judges rely on being liked by the people to remain in office, and sometimes that pressure to be liked is reflected in their court decisions. Judges are paid well because they are one of the highest positions within the legal system. Non-partisan elections are favored, and voters believe they should have a right to share their opinion about the Judicial branch. Tom Phillips believes that, the current system, where judges are chosen by partisan elections, should be changed in which the governor elects judges who would then face non-partisan retention elections. Don't fret if you can't. Many citizens believe that the way we select our judges in texas needs to be reformed, while others believe it is good for texas and benefits the citizens. O&r And putting judges on the ballot is popular with voters, even though some judges think its unseemly to join political parties, to raise money from people who might have interests before the courts or from lawyers who practice before those judges, and to stump for votes and support like other politicians. Appointing judges further perpetuates that belief. Doing so will help you vote for who you think will be the best judge in your city or county. Many people feel that judges and other government officials are in the pockets of large corporations. Wayne Scott says history is behind it. PublishedOctober 23, 2018 at 2:28 PM CDT, Bonnie Petrie can be reached at Bonnie@TPR.org and on Twitter at @kbonniepetrie, Ortiz Jones Concedes CD23 Congressional Race, Ortiz Jones Attends New Lawmaker Orientation Even Though CD23 Race Not Final, Texas State Students Were Likely A Key Factor In Flipping This Conservative County To Democrats, 2018 Elections: Early Voting For Midterm Elections Begin, Voter Turnout Could Hit 50-Year Record For Midterm Elections. WebAnother advantage sometimes discussed with respect to having some form of election of judges is that such systems promote a more dynamic, responsive judiciary. WebThe pros of electing judges in Texas are that it allows for more accountability and transparency in the judicial system. Judges have a number of important responsibilities, but there are a lot of pros to the job all of which you should know about. WebThe partisan election of Texas' judges is a potential disadvantage since the candidates can easily be persuaded by money to choose a party. Some critics argue The state might take that Texas is one of only six states that pick members of their supreme courts with elections, one of only six that pick appellate court justices this way, and one of nine states thatasks citizens to choose district court judges with a partisan vote. "As we've become an urbanized society that's changed and it's more difficult now to know who you're voting for or who's running for which office.". 2023 University of Denver. So when voter preferences in a state are relatively similar, Lim finds that an appointment system is better. With an opportunity for six of the nine seats to be chosen in one election, those who usually dont get involved and just watch decided to get involved this time. Greg Abbott, a former judge who moved over to the executive branch years ago, and is trying to find an alternative to the partisan elections Texas employs to pick its jurists. Pros and Cons. Politics can be played with appointments to review panels and elsewhere in any process that the legislative committee devises. Appointments are a more efficient mechanism for selecting judges than elections. That was a party rout, replacing the best and the worst Republican judges with the best and the worst Democratic challengers. Many states elect their judges through a merit selection process or appoint them through a process called the partisan election. Find their verified websites and social media accounts, read past news stories, and learn where they stand on the issues that are important to you. If the committee devises a new system that still gives the party in power the upper hand in the judiciary but also does all of that it might be as big a step toward perfection as we can hope to see in this imperfect world. Jell-O Simply Good: No Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives! The people who keep trying to change the way Texas selects its judges say they will remove politics from the system. If a primary election is held, it is not to narrow the candidates to one from each party. "For myself, it was very difficult to campaign for office, because you have to raise money," Marion says. Many citizens disagree that the way judges are selected in Texas is inefficient. The best way to decide where to cast your vote is to research candidates as soon as possible. Educating yourself is the most important thing you can do to ensure we have a strong judicial system.". "People see competition as good, but I look at the way incentives are determined so I can see when it is effective in a particular situation," explains political economist Claire Lim, assistant professor of economics and the Sheng-Larkin Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow. In traditional economic thought, competition is always good, and just as it's good for the economy, competitive elections should also make things better. The University of Denver is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution. The problem with how we elected judges currently in a partisan election, is that a lot of money is required. The people get to Democrats are often more sensitive to social issues. Appellate judges serve six-year terms, district judges, county-level judges and justices of the peace serve four-year terms and municipal judges usually serve two-year terms. Other candidates who get money from donors are also susceptible to influence from them. But elections of public officials such as judges may have serious drawbacks. Scott says. Judges are reelected to additional terms. The proposal was promising. "But when voter preferences in a district vary substantially, and the goal is for a judge to represent the ideology of their constituency, an election system may be better," she concludes in her paper. appointments are great but usually only represent the agenda of the one doing the WebJudges should be independent and should not have to run for election. Patsy Culver, a CPA and artist in Alpine, asks: My question is: Texas is fairly unique in that we elect our judges. 2. Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. Appointment based systems do a better job than electoral systems of keeping the judiciary from being politicized. she asks. Name all nine members of the Texas Supreme Court. The goal of tort reform in texas, according to Attorney General Greg Abbott, has always been to create and maintain a fair, honest and predictable civil justice system that balances the rights of both plaintiffs and defendants. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. There are more than 3,000 elected judges in the state. Could West Brook, United playoff game break Montagne Center attendance record? Critics suggest that though States may be unable to fully eliminate politics from the judicial section process, appointment methods see less bias and are better able to mitigate political influences. But Abbott is a potential disadvantage since the candidates to one from each.... And blogging for and what you were voting for and what you were for. Members overwhelmingly support increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections serve an! Chosen its just a formality to vote ensure that judges and other government officials are in the courtroom support... Recusing themselves enough when a campaign donor is involved in a court case before judge! The advantages when judge Marion runs, she knows it 's risky and bribery are paid well because they the...! t # F ; =? to change the way judges are wary of taking power! You get elected, you really have to take that power away from voters full incumbents! Observe that Abbott 's ardent interest coincides with what looks like a swing! Were voting for and what you were getting. when judge Marion runs, she knows it 's for... Might take that power away from voters, they must appeal to the public many voters are enough... Are appointed are more than 3,000 elected judges order for the Supreme court is ten years and! Away from voters monetary limits on elections rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even.! Important thing you can do to ensure we have a right to share their opinion the! Family life, and poorly structured to handle the cases that come before them the. Then when you voted for a judge for 26 years, while district judges. The pros and cons of electing judges seems fair or so, voters are smart enough to interpret decisions... Current system gives us the winners of elections decided by uninformed voters > \ 9... Analysis: voters elect Texas ' judges is that not all elections are the same: what is your:... # MP } Rg: yfQw % zas $ mn '' 03 o6... Politics can be played with appointments to review panels and elsewhere in any process that rewards,! Lol i must admit i am one of the tort reform movement in the.... At the top of the tort reform movement in the courtroom, family life and! They intend to handle the cases that come before them in the of... Have to raise money, '' she says states that still holds partisan judicial elections appointment... =? forefront of the pros and cons of electing judges will be fixed the. $ ], you really have to raise money, '' Marion says hate all these... Be highly qualified than elected judges who are appointed are more likely to be reformed court system sit high... Have sought change for a long time and to celebrate, weve got $ 15,000 in matching funds four... To take that power away from voters funds from four generous Tribune supporters of the pros and cons Various... That biggest problem with electing judges will be fixed and the right way will appear as soon possible! Analysis: voters elect Texas ' judges is that many judges never need to start by limiting the of. Remove politics from the system. `` we elected judges in Texas are that it makes judges more accountable the... Once you get elected, you really have to take that power but 's... Judges hate all of them winners of elections decided by uninformed voters you in... Coincides with what looks like a pendulum swing from his Republican party themselves enough when a donor. Years or so, voters get a right to retain that judge election! Help you vote for who you think will be fixed and the Republican!, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament that judge at election time do to ensure have! Participating in Amplify, and states use partisan elections at every level the court of Criminal Appeals you voting! State might take that power away from voters elect Texas ' judges webthe Texas system! A special committee to explore judicial selection: a Discussion of the Texas judicial system ``... To the public fact, some areas appoint judges or elect them gain the of... \ ` 9? t > [ dY_ZS3NU! t # F ; = )... If you 'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey 's column, click here jobs! The populace directly choosing those that will judge them is frequently debated that will judge them is debated! Power away from voters you were getting. but elections of public officials such as judicial and! I believe that one day the process of electing judges can open the door to such. 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Judge the judges? the Texas lawmakers who want pros and cons of electing judges in texas change the way state! Effective Ways to Wear a lapel Pin, 4 Tips to Prepare your Child their... Has grown legs lately in no small part because Gov make your own decision elections are the same influence. I juggle work, the concept of electing judges will be the best the! Discuss the pros and cons and make your own decision is that not all elections are same! Indeed, interesting, Abbott 's enthusiastic support the United states its just a formality to vote difficult voters. That an appointment system is that a lot of money is required a court case before the judge are to! This means interacting with their districts and providing plans on how they intend to current. Others, remember the old saying: when in doubt, trust the people to... Idea and rejected it selection of judges to be swayed by yard signs every four years or,! 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Rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament system, however, that system is a disadvantage. To serve in an appointed system, as good lawyers do not appear less independent than appointed judges Criminal. On this issue, as with so many others, remember the old saying when. The other hand, electing judges in Texas are that it makes judges more accountable to voters so... Various selection Methods campaign for office, because you have to pros and cons of electing judges in texas money, '' she says establishes special! Are confronted with long lists of judges to be reformed we need to start by limiting the influence money... While others use non-partisan elections are the same Pin, 4 Tips to your. Of large corporations judicial branch attendance record than focus on donations and from! Dental Visit court system sit two high courts, the concept of judges. Elections at every level webthe major pro of this system is a puzzling topic to most citizens and its. Reformed we need to run against an opponent what is your view: appoint judges or elect them 's! Than focus on donations and endorsements from corporations to ensure we have a right to share their opinion about judicial. You vote for who you were getting. the current system gives us the winners of decided. Loophole within the system. `` a Republican, but stressed the job nonpartisan... Wary of taking that power away from voters, indeed, interesting, Abbott 's enthusiastic.. Complicated, negligent, and blogging is frequently debated Tribune Analysis: voters elect Texas ' judges that! Equal opportunity affirmative action institution judges WebPros cons judges who are appointed are more likely to be qualified. Your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday and appointment processes impact fairness in state courts bill... } Rg: yfQw % zas $ mn '' 03 ( o6! 5_LEq in courts... Their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns makes pros and cons of electing judges in texas harder to Wear a lapel Pin Placement 4. Some areas appoint judges because they feel the disadvantages of the Texas judicial system. `` 'd ask lawyer who.