The Selection and Removal of Judges
Recent Developments in the States
Special rules have always governed the selection and removal of Federal and State judges to ensure — even in the face of public opinion or political pressure to the contrary — that judges are sufficiently able to administer justice in accord with the rule of law and serve as effective guardians of people’s individual rights. Although most State court judges are elected, special rules governing those elections have sought to ensure that judicial elections are conducted differently than elections for political office in ways that protect the integrity, fairness, and impartiality of the judiciary in performing its unique role under…
