News
Federal
Obama pushes confirmation of judges
July 27, 2010 :: Legal Times
President Barack Obama called on the Senate today to vote on long-stalled nominees for the federal judiciary -- dipping a toe into an issue that has appeared relatively low among his priorities.
ABA: Federal judgeships need filled
July 12, 2010 :: Legal Newsline
American Bar Association President Carolyn Lamm says the increasing number of vacancies in the nation's lower federal courts is affecting the efficiency and fairness of the justice system.
Nealon, Minora, Mariani to be submitted for nomination to federal bench
July 8, 2010 :: Scranton Times-Tribune
The names of two Lackawanna County judges and a well-known local labor lawyer are being submitted to the White House for nomination to three openings on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, sources said Wednesday.
More senators rely on committees to screen future judges
July 7, 2010 :: Legal Times
An increasing number of U.S. senators are setting up committees in their home states to evaluate potential federal judges, yet little is known about how those panels operate, according to a new report.
Nomination delaying tactic irks senators
June 22, 2010 :: Boston Globe
It seemed the most unremarkable of votes.
Push for court diversity hits snag
June 15, 2010 :: USA Today
President Obama came into office determined to stop the rightward shift of the federal courts after eight years of appointments by President Bush and to add more diversity to the bench.
Santa Clara County judge becomes first Asian-American federal judge in Bay Area history
June 7, 2010 :: Mercury News
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Lucy Koh was confirmed Monday to a federal judgeship in San Jose, making her the first Asian-American to ever gain a spot on the Bay Area federal bench.
Leahy urges faster pace on approving Obama's judicial nominees
June 2, 2010 :: RTT News
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Ver., sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., Wednesday, urging them to move forward with more than two dozen judicial nominations that have been reported by the Judiciary Committee but not yet scheduled for...
Court vacancy causes stir
May 23, 2010 :: Tulsa World
The Obama administration is considering a Washington, D.C., attorney and former adviser to the president's campaign to fill an appeals court vacancy created by the resignation of veteran Judge Robert Henry of Oklahoma, the Tulsa World has learned.
Shaping of judiciary key part of Specter's legacy
May 20, 2010 :: Legal Intelligencer
Sen. Arlen Specter's half-century in public life will be remembered by many for highlights like his service on the Warren Commission and the leading roles he played in blocking Judge Robert Bork from being confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court and preventing Justice Clarence Thomas from meeting the same fate.
R.I. judicial nominee haunted by business accusations of prejudice
May 13, 2010 :: Providence Journal
It is not clear whether John F. McConnell Jr. s prospects for a federal judgeship have diminished since the U.S. Chamber of Commerce took the extraordinary step Tuesday of calling for the rejection of the Providence lawyer s nomination.
Diverse Obama picks changing face of federal judiciary
May 3, 2010 :: Baltimore Sun
Lost in the gathering debate over President Barack Obama's next Supreme Court pick, a profound shift in the federal judiciary is taking place below the high court.
Delegates nominate judge for US court
April 13, 2010 :: Bangor Daily News
Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy has been recommended to replace retiring U.S. District Court Judge D. Brock Hornby.
Federal judge in Lynchburg set to take senior status
April 13, 2010 :: News & Advance
The Virginia State Bar is set to interview candidates Monday to fill a vacancy left when Lynchburg-based U.S. District Court Judge Norman Moon takes senior status on July 1.
Democratic senators urge action now on Obama's judicial nominees
April 13, 2010 :: CNN.com
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee lashed out at Senate Republicans on Tuesday for holding up confirmation votes on President Obama's judicial nominees.
Battle brews over Obama nominee for 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
April 8, 2010 :: LA Times
Senate Democrats rejected on Tuesday a Republican demand that next week's scheduled confirmation hearing on Goodwin Liu's nomination to a federal appeals court be postponed, setting up an all-out partisan battle over the Berkeley law professor.
Obama continues to lag when it comes to judges
April 7, 2010 :: Washington Post
The Obama administration has a good shot at setting a couple of modern indoor records for a president halfway through his first term: fewest number of judicial nominees and, with strong assistance from Senate Republicans, fewest number of judges placed on the bench.
Law professor Goodwin Liu may be test case for Obama judicial picks
March 22, 2010 :: Washington Post
Liberal legal activists came away from last summer's confirmation hearings on Sonia Sotomayor with an empty feeling.
Senate confirms Thompson for federal bench
March 18, 2010 :: Providence Journal
The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to seat Rhode Island Superior Court Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit.
House considers judge’s impeachment
March 9, 2010 :: New York Times
The House will take up the impeachment on Friday of a Louisiana federal judge accused of seeking and accepting bribes and perjury, the majority leader, Steny Hoyer, said on Tuesday.
Former law dean, gubernatorial candidate picked for 10th Circuit
March 3, 2010 :: Legal Times
Scott Matheson Jr., a former law dean at the University of Utah and the runner-up in that state's 2004 race for governor, has been nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, the White House said today.
Obama zeros in on law professor for 9th Circuit post
February 24, 2010 :: Los Angeles
President Obama will nominate UC Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, The Times has learned.
Obama nominates Judge Chatigny for Second Circuit seat
February 24, 2010 :: Hartford Courant
U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny was nominated for a seat on the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals today by President Obama.
Judge Thomas Porteous impeachment moves forward in U.S. House
February 21, 2010 :: Times-Picayune
No official word yet, but some congressional staffers are expecting the House this week to take up four articles of impeachment against embattled U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous.
Senate Republicans wage stealth war over judges
February 17, 2010 :: National Law Journal
The scene has become familiar in the U.S. Senate: A nominee for a federal judgeship lingers for months without a confirmation vote, held up by an anonymous objection, but, when the roll is eventually called, not a single senator votes against the nominee.
Judiciary members to query LV lawyer
February 11, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas attorney Gloria Navarro is one of six nominees scheduled to appear today before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Judicial nominees advance in Senate
January 28, 2010 :: Charlotte News & Observer
The nominations of North Carolina judges Albert Diaz and James Wynn overwhelmingly passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, putting them on track for confirmation by the full Senate.
House panel votes to proceed with impeaching judge
January 27, 2010 :: Associated Press
The House Judiciary Committee took another step Wednesday toward removing U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous from office, voting unanimously to recommend his impeachment.
Judge Thomas Porteous should be impeached, task force votes
January 21, 2010 :: Times-Picayune
A House task force voted 8 - 0 Thursday to recommend that Judge Thomas Porteous of the U.S. District Court in New Orleans be impeached.
Senate confirms Martin as federal appeals court judge in Atlanta
January 20, 2010 :: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed President Barack Obama's nominee, Beverly Martin, for a seat on the federal appeals court in Atlanta.
Slow going in Senate for DOJ, judicial nominees
January 5, 2010 :: National Law Journal
New leadership takes over this week in President Barack Obama's legal shop, and among the challenges facing incoming White House Counsel Robert Bauer is how to reinvigorate the administration's efforts to shape the federal judiciary.
Alabama
15-year-old Alabama law on donations to judicial campaigns never enforced
July 22, 2010 :: Birmingham News
A 15-year-old Alabama law that says judges should not hear cases in which one of the parties donated at least $2,000 to their campaigns has never been enforced, locked in a stalemate over whether it first needs to be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice for evidence that it...
Alabama high court hopefuls spend big in off-year
June 7, 2010 :: Birmingham News
Spending among all candidates running for Alabama Supreme Court has topped $1 million, but 2010 should be an off year in the nation's most expensive state for seeking a post on the state high court.
Republican incumbents cruising against challengers in state Supreme Court races
June 1, 2010 :: al.com
A pair of Republican incumbents on the Alabama Supreme Court cruised to comfortable primary vcitories tonight, according to incomplete results from the GOP primary.
Supreme Court rivals spar over last-minute contributions
May 27, 2010 :: Tuscaloosa News
A state Supreme Court candidate has bought $650,000 in advertising, despite filing a report earlier this week that listed no campaign contributions, the candidate's opponent said Wednesday.
Supreme court race in court
May 13, 2010 :: WSFA.com
One of the candidates for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court may be disqualified.
Alabama House committee rejects nonpartisan judicial election bill
March 3, 2010 :: Associated Press
An Alabama House committee has rejected a bill that calls for electing district and circuit judges in nonpartisan elections.
State court officials mull merger of district, circuit courts
February 22, 2010 :: Press-Register
Alabama court officials are considering a proposal to consolidate the two-tiered system of district and circuit courts and move some judges' seats to counties where the dockets are overloaded.
Alaska
Judicial council recommends against retaining judge
July 6, 2010 :: KTUU.com
A state panel is asking residents to vote a judge out of his job.
Percentage of female judges declining in Alaska
March 15, 2010 :: Daily News-Miner
The proportion of female judges in Alaska is slipping, and it s hard to ignore in Fairbanks, where the last time a woman was selected for a judgeship was 1988.
Arizona
Thomas proposes changes to judicial system
June 14, 2010 :: Arizona Republic
Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is proposing changes to the state's judicial system that give the governor more control in who is appointed to the bench.
No more elected judges in Pinal County?
June 14, 2010 :: Today Publications
The 2010 midterm election season marks the final year Pinal County citizens will have the ability to elect Superior Court judges in their respective districts.
Ryan leaving Ariz. SC
June 2, 2010 :: LegalNewsline.com
Arizona Supreme Court Justice Michael Ryan is retiring from the court.
Judicial elections given another look
May 7, 2010 :: Daily Courier
Arizona native and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor teamed up with a University of Denver think tank to crusade against elected judges in favor of merit-based appointments.
Arizona measure on picking judges awaits changes
March 19, 2010 :: Associated Press
The sponsor of legislation to revamp Arizona's system of selecting judges says it could be revised before being considered by the Senate.
Bill would alter way most judges selected
February 25, 2010 :: Arizona Business Gazette
State lawmakers are moving to scrap the system used to choose most of the judges in Arizona for more than three decades.
Arizona bill to change judge selection process appears in trouble
February 9, 2010 :: LegalNewsline.com
Legislation that would change the way Arizona selects its state judges appears to be foundering.
Arkansas
Primary ballot includes judicial races
May 17, 2010 :: Arkansas News
Judicial races on the ballot Tuesday include a pair of contests for state Supreme Court seats and one race for a seat on the state Court of Appeals.
California
Pick for Calif. chief justice could create court's first female majority
July 21, 2010 :: Law.com
Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Third District Court of Appeal Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye to be the state's next chief justice.
Easy victories for incumbent judges
June 9, 2010 :: San Diego Union-Tribune
Four incumbent judges were headed to easy victories over a slate of challengers who were backed by a group of religious and social conservatives. A race for a fifth seat on the bench appeared headed to a runoff in the fall.
Christian conservatives target seated judges
May 30, 2010 :: MSNBC.com
A group of conservative attorneys say they are on a mission from God to unseat four California judges in a rare challenge that is turning a traditionally snooze-button election into what both sides call a battle for the integrity of U.S. courts.
Calif. justice growing tired of judicial elections
May 24, 2010 :: LegalNewsline
California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin may soon be a proponent of eliminating judicial elections, he said last week during a hearing held by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
‘Moral vote’ group targets four judicial seats
May 22, 2010 :: Union-Tribune
Judicial elections are normally low-key events, but this year the race for five San Diego Superior Court seats includes unexpected challenges from candidates backed by a group called Better Courts Now.
Calif. bill aims to ensure judicial impartiality
May 6, 2010 :: Associated Press
Campaign contributions to California judges would be scrutinized under a bill that has passed the state Assembly.
Four more superior court candidates receive 'qualified' ratings
May 4, 2010 :: Metropolitan News-Enterprise
West Los Angeles arbitrator/mediator Elizabeth A. Moreno, Deputy Public Defender C. Edward Mack, Deputy City Attorney Chris Garcia, and Deputy District Attorney Edward Nison have all received 'qualified' ratings from the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Judicial Election Evaluations Committee, the MetNews has learned.
Two judicial candidates express dissatisfaction with LACBA evaluation
April 29, 2010 :: Metropolitan News-Enterprise
Beverly Hills practitioner Mark K. Ameli and Redondo Beach sole practitioner Pattricia M. Vienna yesterday told the MetNews that they disagreed with the tentative ratings they received from the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Judicial Election Evaluations Committee, but only Ameli said he planned to appeal.
Judges get ready for ‘big fight’ against conservative challenge
March 9, 2010 :: San Diego News Network
Pastor Chris Clark of East Clairemont Baptist Church was involved in the fight to keep the cross on Mt. Soledad and helped rally hundreds of religious leaders statewide for the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.
AOC releases data on diversity on California bench
March 1, 2010 :: Metropolitan News-Enterprise
The number of women on the bench in California increased again last year while the number of minority jurists continued to fall, according to demographic data on judges and justices released Friday by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Colorado
Judges up for retention face widespread scrutiny this year
July 16, 2010 :: Colorado Statesman
While attention on judicial retention has focused in recent weeks on the Colorado Supreme Court, voters this fall will be asked to look at the performance of more than 100 judges throughout the state.
Proposed 2012 ballot measure would change Colo. judicial system
July 5, 2010 :: Denver Post
Even if four state Supreme Court justices survive an attempt to remove them from the bench this election, another effort is underway to seriously alter Colorado's judiciary system.
9th Judicial District judge might face trouble in November elections
July 2, 2010 :: Post Independent
At least one 9th Judicial District judge appears to be in trouble as far as the upcoming November elections are concerned, but he cannot be reached to be asked about it.
Mullarkey, chief justice of Colorado Supreme Court, stepping down
June 4, 2010 :: Denver Post
Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, the longest-tenured chief justice in state history, announced Thursday that she will retire in November.
Group aiming to defend Colo. judiciary comes to light
June 1, 2010 :: Law Week Colorado
Well-known figures in Colorado legal circles have quietly filed paperwork creating an organization to defend the state s judiciary amid a campaign to force four state justices into retirement.
Dubofsky said to plan response to Colo. judge non-retention campaign
May 10, 2010 :: Law Week Colorado
Former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Jean Dubofsky and Democratic Party lawyer Mark Grueskin are forming a nonprofit group to educate voters about the judicial performance evaluation process in light of an anti-retention campaigned led by Clear The Bench.
Campaign to replace state Supreme Court justices draws ethics complaint
May 6, 2010 :: Colorado Independent
Colorado Ethics Watch filed complaint Wednesday against Clear the Bench Colorado (CBC), alleging the group has been collecting uncapped donations only issues committees are allowed to receive while acting as a political action committee by campaigning against specific judicial candidates.
Three Denver hudge candidates, three diverse legal backgrounds
April 9, 2010 :: Law Week Colorado
Three lawyers who are finalists to succeed retired Denver District Court Judge Larry Naves hail from different legal worlds, according to the public portions of their job applications released this week.
Four Supreme Court justices face a tough vote in elections
February 15, 2010 :: Denver Post
Judicial-retention elections are traditionally quiet, noncontroversial affairs that barely get attention before Election Day.
AG Suthers may not back 3 on state Supreme Court
January 19, 2010 :: Denver Post
A Republican blog is reporting that Attorney General John Suthers won't support three of the four Colorado Supreme Court justices on the ballot in November.
Connecticut
House Democrats oppose Rell's judicial nominees, citing budget cuts
April 20, 2010 :: CTMirror.org
A budget fight with constitutional overtones escalated Tuesday as legislators pressured Gov. M. Jodi Rell to withdraw nine judicial nominations until the courts get increased funding.
Appellate court has new chief judge
March 30, 2010 :: Hartford Courant
State Appellate Judge Alexandra D. DiPentima was named the court's chief judge on Monday by Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers.
District of Columbia
D.C. commission sends six superior court candidates to White House
February 2, 2010 :: Legal Times
The D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission announced on Monday that it had sent the White House the names of six candidates to fill two vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court.
Florida
Judging the judges a confusing task for voters
July 26, 2010 :: Sun-Sentinel
Armed with scant information other than candidates' names, Broward voters will decide 20 judicial races in the Aug. 24 elections.
Are racial politics driving Broward judicial elections?
July 17, 2010 :: Sun Sentinel
In the race for Broward judgeships, is race itself playing a role this year?
Broward's judges were sizzling breakfast topic
May 6, 2010 :: Sun Sentinel
Judicial conduct, elections and diversity were the topic of a Thursday morning forum moderated by Sun Sentinel columnist Michael Mayo at Fort Lauderdale s Tower Club.
Judicial campaign conduct forums scheduled May 6-7
May 3, 2010 :: Capitol Soup
When it comes to elections, judgeships are never politics as usual. Thanks to a special set of ethics rules called Canon 7 of Florida s Code of Judicial Conduct, candidates for judicial office must abide by the strictest standards imposed in any type of election.
Georgia
Three qualify for judicial elections
July 2, 2010 :: Marietta Daily Journal
Three Cobb lawyers qualified on Thursday to run for judicial posts in the upcoming general election on Nov. 2.
Justice, lawyers early qualifiers for November ballot in Georgia
June 29, 2010 :: Florida Times-Union
Supreme Court Justice David Nahmias was among the first judicial candidates to qualify Monday morning for the nonpartisan elections on November s ballot.
Perdue to interview finalists for third state court judgeship
June 9, 2010 :: Cherokee Tribune
The three finalists for the third Cherokee County State Court judgeship will meet this week with Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Hawaii
Hawaii panel split on former U.S. Attorney’s judicial nomination
January 29, 2010 :: Main Justice
A Hawaii state Senate committee was unable to reach an agreement Thursday on whether a former Hawaii U.S. Attorney should be seated on a state court, The Honolulu Advertiser reported today.
Idaho
Voters keep Burdick on Idaho Supreme Court bench
May 26, 2010 :: Associated Press
Idaho Supreme Court Justice Roger Burdick will retain his seat on the Idaho Supreme Court, beating challenger 2nd District Judge John Bradbury.
Judges square off for high court seat
May 19, 2010 :: Idaho Mountain Express
Judge John Bradbury doesn't describe himself as a judicial reformer, but he claims nonetheless that he's out to reform Idaho's judicial system.
Burdick campaigns to retain seat on state Supreme Court
May 14, 2010 :: Standard Journal
Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Roger Burdick says the state has an excellent judicial system and that he is well qualified to continue in his role on the state Supreme Court.
Judicial candidates judged
May 5, 2010 :: Times-News
Some judicial candidates running in the coming primary election take issue with a survey rating them that was released Tuesday by the Idaho State Bar.
Justice Jones agrees to debate Bradbury
April 29, 2010 :: Times-News
Second District Judge John Bradbury has managed to get an Idaho Supreme Court justice to offer him exactly what he wants: a debate.
Supreme court justice on the campaign trail
March 20, 2010 :: KLEW-TV
Supreme Court Justice Roger Burdick is on a campaign trip to north Idaho.
Illinois
Illinois Supreme Court justice could face retention battle
April 7, 2010 :: LegalNewsline.com
The demise of medical malpractice reform and the upcoming battle over legislative redistricting could factor into a key Illinois Supreme Court retention race in November.
Madigan wants to toughen Illinois judiciary rules
March 22, 2010 :: Journal Star
Amid a push for constitutional amendments on recall, redistricting, new tax rates and other pressing issues, House Speaker Michael Madigan wants to go a different direction judicial qualifications.
Legal groups offer information on judicial candidates
January 31, 2010 :: Daily Herald
The abbreviations of these Illinois legal associations may sound bewildering to the average voter.
Indiana
Lawmakers mull veto override on merit selection
March 11, 2010 :: Indiana Lawyer Daily
Vetoed legislation that would scrap St. Joseph County's merit selection for judicial elections and also add a new three-judge panel to the Indiana Court of Appeals is back in play.
Scheibenberger faces 2 challengers for seat
February 9, 2010 :: Journal Gazette
After years of uncontested judicial elections, Allen County voters will have a choice in November.
Iowa
Scholar: Credible judge data lacking
July 19, 2010 :: Des Moines Register
Iowa voters too often lack credible, nonpartisan information to judge the judges who serve in the state court system, a scholar who studies judicial elections says.
Iowa system for picking judges has advocates, critics
July 18, 2010 :: Des Moines Register
Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus highlighted the state s merit selection system as the best way to pick fair and well-qualified judges in her State of the Judiciary address in January.
Gay marriage has judges on electoral hot seat
July 18, 2010 :: Des Moines Register
Jeffrey Neary never wanted to campaign.
Marriage ruling leaves Iowa judges vulnerable
July 8, 2010 :: USA Today
District Court Judge Jeff Neary says he never wanted to campaign and didn't know how to respond to the Vote No leaflets scattered on cars in a church parking lot.
Iowa Poll: Republican primary voters want gay marriage on ballot
June 5, 2010 :: Des Moines Register
A large majority of Iowa Republican primary voters say Iowans should have a chance to vote on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, according to the latest Des Moines Register Iowa Poll.
Justice warns against politicizing judge selection
February 16, 2010 :: Sioux City Journal
Top Iowa judicial and legal officials Monday warned against efforts to politicize the state s process for selecting judges or turn judicial retention votes into referenda on particular decisions.
Kansas
District Court judges running unopposed
June 1, 2010 :: Wichita Eagle
With less than two weeks until the filing deadline, it looks like Sedgwick County District Court judges will be running unopposed for re-election this year.
Ethics commission says campaign finance rules don’t apply to efforts to oust sitting judges
March 2, 2010 :: Associated Press
Kansas campaign finance rules and contribution limits don t apply to activists who are unhappy with the state Supreme Court and trying to oust at least one justice in the November general election.
Group to challenge court member
January 22, 2010 :: Associated Press
An anti-abortion group launched a campaign Friday to oust at least one Kansas Supreme Court justice in this year's election because of how the court has handled cases on the issue.
Louisiana
Jefferson judgeship candidates get ready for the runoff
March 29, 2010 :: Times-Picayune
Fresh from Saturday's primary as the two top vote-getters, Ray Steib and Debbie Villio began campaigning anew Monday, looking toward the May 1 runoff to fill a vacancy on the 24th Judicial District Court bench.
Complaint against 24th Judicial District Court candidate Ray Steib dismissed
March 26, 2010 :: Times-Picayune
One of two complaints filed this week against Ray Steib, who is running for the Division A seat on the 24th Judicial District Court, over his campaign ads has been dismissed.
Maryland
Contested judicial race set for November
June 30, 2010 :: The Capital
In 2004, the county was rocked by a partisan and often contentious judicial race when two Republican lawyers ran for - and eventually won - seats on the Circuit Court bench.
Judicial election change stymied
March 29, 2010 :: Baltimore Sun
A group of black lawmakers appears to have blocked Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler's effort to end voters' ability to choose Circuit Court judges.
State Senate confirms judges, including Miller's son
March 12, 2010 :: Associated Press
The Maryland Senate has confirmed judges appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's son.
Senate panel backs appointment of Miller's son to judgeship
March 8, 2010 :: Baltimore Sun
A key Senate panel voted Monday evening to approve the appointment of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's son as an Anne Arundel County District Court judge, a nomination that was first put forward two years ago and prompted three members of the county's judicial nominating commission to resign in...
Ex-Justice O'Connor favors end to electing judges
March 4, 2010 :: Baltimore Sun
Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor says she is all for a proposal that would end competitive elections for Maryland's Circuit Court judges, championing a concept that is attracting new attention in Annapolis this year because of loosening campaign finance rules and increasing concerns about money flowing into judicial...
Michigan
Bar Association survey shows that Bay County District Judge Jennifer Barnes is least qualified candi
June 11, 2010 :: Bay City Times
Members of the Bay County Bar Association believe recently appointed Bay County District Judge Jennifer C. Barnes is the least qualified of the five Bay City attorneys seeking the judgeship in the upcoming elections.
Young and Corrigan argued on behalf of Massey Energy
May 26, 2010 :: Michigan Messenger
In a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Michigan Supreme Court Justices Robert Young Jr. and Maura Corrigan argued against rules to disqualify judges from hearing cases involving major contributors their election campaigns.
Court refuses to remove 3 GOP justices from case
January 28, 2010 :: MPRN
The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to remove three Republican justices from hearing a case being argued by attorney Geoffrey Fieger.
Michigan Supreme Court: Direction reverses, divide remains
January 1, 2010 :: Associated Press
The Michigan Supreme Court underwent a major transformation in 2009, when a Democrat who defeated a Republican incumbent set in motion a series of rulings that favor injured people with damage claims and tighten judicial ethics.
Minnesota
Court gives Minn. judge candidates campaign leeway
July 29, 2010 :: Associated Press
A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Minnesota's restrictions on fundraising and endorsements by judicial candidates violated their free speech rights, overturning parts of the state code of judicial conduct.
GOPers make push for judge candidates
July 7, 2010 :: Post-Bulletin
While judicial elections are considered nonpartisan, two Minnesota Supreme Court candidates joined a statewide Republican bus tour last week to make their pitch to voters.
New PAC aims to put conservative Christians into Minnesota courts
June 15, 2010 :: Minnesota Independent
A new political action committee aimed at getting conservatives elected to judicial posts in Minnesota has been formed by Republican activists Joe Salmon and Dorothy Fleming.
A legal conundrum: What to do when all the candidates pull out of a judge's race?
June 4, 2010 :: MinnPost.com
Even a couple of years ago, judicial elections were about as interesting as the boilerplate in a legal brief.
Judicial election intrigue leaves ballot blank in Stillwater
June 4, 2010 :: Minnesota Public Radio
Officials are considering reopening the filing for a judicial race in Stillwater after some last-minute maneuvering by a Washington County district court judge and his clerk left no candidates on the ballot.
Pawlenty deepens imprint on Minn.'s high court
May 13, 2010 :: Associated Press
Gov. Tim Pawlenty deepened his imprint on the Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday, promoting Lorie Gildea to lead the court and naming a 35-year-old law professor who once clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to fill her seat.
New life for proposal on judicial elections
May 6, 2010 :: Star Tribune
After appearing dead only last month, a plan to scrap contested judicial elections in favor of having Minnesotans vote to keep or fire sitting judges is breathing new life.
MCCL still has muscle to flex
April 28, 2010 :: Star Tribune
The abortion issue has been muted at the state Capitol in recent years, as pro-choice ranks swelled with the elections of big DFL majorities at the Legislature.
Judicial reform bill didn't have the votes, House DFLer says
April 27, 2010 :: Twin Cities Daily Planet
The author of a proposal to reform the way judicial elections in Minnesota are held pulled his bill rather than having it fail a key House of Representatives committee vote, a key Minneapolis DFLer told the Daily Planet.
Judicial retention election bill is dropped
April 26, 2010 :: Star Tribune
A proposal to replace contested judicial elections with a system allowing voters to reject judges has been dropped amid opposition from groups against abortion and other interests.
Judicial elections hearing will likely take place next week
April 21, 2010 :: St. Paul Legal Ledger
Rep. Joe Mullery finally gave in to pressure from DFL leaders and agreed to hold a hearing on a proposal to overhaul the state s judicial-election system.
Court to consider election for next chief justice
April 20, 2010 :: Associated Press
The resignation of Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson gives Gov. Tim Pawlenty a chance to do something he has done twice before: pick the person who holds the high court s top spot.
Mullery blocking judicial elections overhaul
April 9, 2010 :: Politics in Minnesota
Rep. Joe Mullery doesn t want to talk about judicial elections. That s abundantly obvious.
DFLers move to inoculate judicial elections against partisanship
April 6, 2010 :: Star-Tribune
Contested judicial elections would become a thing of the past under a proposal by some DFL legislators, who want a constitutional amendment that would eliminate challengers to sitting judges.
Proposal would reduce judicial ballots to 'hired' or 'fired'
April 5, 2010 :: Minnesota Public Radio
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was legal for judicial candidates to use the same tactics as political candidates in re-election campaigns, some state lawmakers worry that could lead to hyper-political judicial elections.
Pawlenty undecided on process for choosing new chief justice
March 26, 2010 :: MinnLawyer Blog
The retirement of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Eric Magnuson at the end of June gives Gov. Tim Pawlenty his third chance to appoint someone to the state s top judicial spot and his fifth opportunity to add a new person to the high court.
Bill would change how state's judges are chosen
March 25, 2010 :: Minnesota Public Radio
A committee in the Minnesota Senate approved a bill Thursday that would let voters decide if the judicial election system should be changed.
Magnuson's resignation prompts this question: Should voters pick more judges?
March 25, 2010 :: MinnPost.com
The ink was barely dry on Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson's letter of resignation earlier this month when speculation began regarding his successor.
O’Connor urges Minnesota change
February 10, 2010 :: Star Tribune
The expected flood of corporate political advertising that will follow last month's U.S. Supreme Court campaign finance ruling strengthens the argument for ending contested elections of judges in Minnesota.
Reform of judge retention process proposed to Legislature
January 13, 2010 :: Morrison County Record
The Minnesota Legislature may consider a proposal this year to change the way Minnesota judges are chosen and retained.
Mississippi
Judges building war chests
June 2, 2010 :: Jackson Free Press
With the November judicial elections still months away, many candidates for circuit and county judge positions have not begun campaigning in earnest.
Missouri
‘Show Me’ ballot petition fraud
June 24, 2010 :: St. Louis American
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigators are following up on the case of a petitioner who illegally used children to solicit signatures for the ShowMe Better Courts ballot initiative, according to one Old North resident.
Executive director of Missouri group pushing elections for all judges speaks in Sedalia
June 14, 2010 :: Sedalia Democrat
Ethics Commission rejects complaint against Mo. Bar
June 10, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Missouri Bar often extolls the state s judicial selection system.
Roy Blunt sides with effort to change Missouri's judicial-selection system
June 9, 2010 :: St. Louis Beacon
U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Springfield, is apparently aligning his U.S. Senate bid with the initiative-petition effort to revamp how Missouri selects its judges in the urban areas and on the higher courts, by requiring that they be elected, not appointed.
Opponents: Signatures for anti-Missouri Plan initiative fall short
May 26, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
An analyis of the signatures submitted to the Secretary of State s office by the group seeking to make all judges in Missouri elected fell short of statutory minimums, says a group opposing the effort.
Anti-Missouri Plan petition carriers claim they haven’t been paid
May 10, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A group of black St. Louis residents who helped pass petitions for the ShowMe Better Courts ballot drive to call for the direct election of all judges in the state say they haven t been paid, and they aren t happy about it.
Teens deceived in ballot petition effort, gathering signatures for misrepresented motive
May 6, 2010 :: St. Louis American
According to one Old North resident, proponents of a ballot petition to change the way judges are selected in parts of Missouri used adolescents to deceive the public when gathering the signatures the group needs to get its initiative on the ballot.
The battle over Missouri's courts: A million dollar bash
May 3, 2010 :: Kansas City Star
James Harris, leader of Show Me Better Courts, says his group spent $1.5 million to gather petition signatures that could lead to electing all of the state's judges.
Critics of Missouri judicial selection process submit overhaul plan
May 3, 2010 :: St. Louis Public Radio
Critics of Missouri's method of selecting appeals court and some urban trial judges have submitted a ballot measure to overhaul the process.
Restraining order denied in legal battle over judicial petition drive
April 23, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Two groups battling over the future of how Missouri judges are chosen went back to court this afternoon in St. Charles, where a judge denied a temporary restraining order.
PAC loses temporary restraining order
April 17, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The temporary restraining order obtained by one political action committee against another in the intense battle over how judges are selected in Missouri has been dissolved.
Judge grants restraining order aimed at court group
April 15, 2010 :: Kansas City Star
A St. Charles County judge today granted a temporary restraining order aimed at a group seeking to slow the signature-gathering process of a separate organization that wants to elect judges in Missouri.
Groups battling over Missouri Plan are fuzzy on donors
April 14, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The American Democracy Alliance wants Missourians to change how most judges are chosen in the state.
Lawyers' group violated ethics, judicial critic says
March 13, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The leader of an effort to change how Missouri judges are chosen has filed an ethics complaint against the Missouri Bar, a state-created association to which all lawyers in the state must belong.
Missouri Bar seeks public comments about Missouri judges on ballot this year
March 2, 2010 :: Associated Press
Missourians now have a chance to rate their judges.
Ballot initiative to require direct election of judges gets court OK
February 26, 2010 :: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
An attempt to change the way Missouri chooses most judges and go to a direct election process like Illinois received a court OK in Cole County today.
Montana
Leaphart won’t run for court this fall
February 4, 2010 :: Independent Record
Longtime Montana Supreme Court Justice Bill Leaphart announced Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of this year.
Nevada
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2: Voters want final word on judges
July 19, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Most Nevadans still oppose changing how state judges are selected, but a clear majority backs creation of an appellate court to ease pressure on the state Supreme Court, according to a new poll commissioned by the Review-Journal and KLAS-TV, Channel 8.
Many lawyers seek appointment system
May 14, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Clark County attorneys overwhelmingly support changing the Nevada Constitution so judges would be appointed instead of running for election as they do now.
Survey raises questions about women on the bench
May 11, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Six of the seven district judges who received do not retain recommendations in this year's Judicial Performance Evaluation survey are women.
Lawmakers approve four ballot questions
May 9, 2010 :: Record-Courier
Lawmakers on Friday approved language for four ballot questions including major changes to Nevada's court system.
Poll: Many oppose plan to allow appointment of judges
April 12, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Nevadans strongly oppose an upcoming ballot measure that could change the way the state's judges are selected, according to a new poll commissioned by the Review-Journal.
Attorneys urged to evaluate local judges
February 24, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
More than 500 attorneys in Southern Nevada have completed evaluations of judges in the 2010 Judicial Performance Evaluation, sponsored by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Supreme Court panel will conduct hearing on evaluation of judges
February 18, 2010 :: Las Vegas Sun
The Nevada Supreme Court's Article 6 Commission will conduct a public meeting at 10 a.m. Monday in Las Vegas to continue its work on the creation of a statewide system to evaluate the performances of Nevada s judges.
No challengers; 2 Nevada justices get new terms
January 18, 2010 :: Las Vegas Sun
Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Parraguirre and Justice James Hardesty will get second terms on the state's highest court.
Justices Parraguirre, Hardesty file for re-election
January 4, 2010 :: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Nevada Supreme Court Justices Ron Parraguirre and James Hardesty filed for re-election today, the first day of the filing period.
Nevada high court revises judicial conduct rules
January 1, 2010 :: Associated Press
The Nevada Supreme Court has approved revisions to the state code of judicial conduct, the first major update in nearly 20 years on how judges should behave.
New Jersey
N.J. governor names new judicial panel to succeed members who quit in protest
June 14, 2010 :: New Jersey Law Journal
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, moving quickly to restock the Judicial Advisory Panel that quit in a mass protest two weeks ago, named seven high-profile lawyers Wednesday and chose retired state Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero as chairman.
Entire N.J. judicial panel resigns to protest Gov. Christie's non-tenure of Justice Wallace
June 2, 2010 :: Star-Ledger
The month-long controversy over Gov. Chris Christie s decision to replace Supreme Court Justice John Wallace took a new turn today.
8 retired NJ Supreme Court justices ask Gov. Chris Christie to reconsider Wallace reappointment
May 13, 2010 :: NorthJersey.com
Eight retired Supreme Court justices have just released a statement asking Gov. Chris Christie to reconsider his decision not to reappoint Supreme Court Justice John Wallace.
Gov. Chris Christie says he's confident hearing for N.J. Supreme Court nominee will happen
May 5, 2010 :: Newark Star-Ledger
Gov. Chris Christie expects Democrats to blink first as both political parties settle into a high-stakes game of political chicken over the future of the state Supreme Court.
African-American rights groups blast Gov. Chris Christie's decision to replace Justice Wallace
May 5, 2010 :: Star-Ledger
A coalition of African-American leaders blasted Gov. Chris Christie s decision not to re-nominate state Supreme Court Justice John Wallace today at the Statehouse.
N.J. Senate refuses to hold confirmation hearings for Gov. Christie's Supreme Court nominee
May 4, 2010 :: Star-Ledger
It's Justice John Wallace or nobody, Senate President Stephen Sweeney said today.
Christie, shunning precedent, drops justice from court
May 3, 2010 :: New York Times
Once again showing that he means to shake up Trenton, Gov. Christopher J. Christie declined on Monday to reappoint a sitting justice to the New Jersey Supreme Court, instead appointing someone who he said would show the restraint that was missing from the court.
Wallace renomination a test for Governor
April 19, 2010 :: NJ.com
While all attention is focused on the confrontation between Gov. Chris Christie and the Democratically-controlled Legislature over the proposed state budget, a less visible issue is playing itself out in the background, one which could have precedent-breaking and far reaching implications for the Executive and Judicial branches of government.
First Arab-American appointed to N.J. Superior Court in Hunterdon County
April 18, 2010 :: Star-Ledger
He may be only 36, but when Hany Mawla recently donned the robes of a Superior Court judge, colleagues said he was well-prepared to ascend the bench.
Gov. Christie could replace N.J. Supreme Court justice seeking renomination, officials say
April 11, 2010 :: Star-Ledger
In nearly seven years on the state Supreme Court, John Wallace has established a reputation as a rational, intelligent, practical justice who doesn t make waves or headlines.
Justice's fate puts heat on Christie
April 4, 2010 :: Philadelphia Inquirer
Conservatives have long blamed the New Jersey Supreme Court for making a mess of some of the state's most vexing issues, from affordable housing to public school funding.
New Mexico
Vanzi retains appeals court position
June 1, 2010 :: Santa Fe New Mexican
Linda Vanzi will retain her seat on the New Mexico Court of Appeals after defeating Dennis W. Montoya in Tuesday's Democratic primary.
Ellington, 3 incumbents win judgeships
June 1, 2010 :: Santa Fe New Mexican
First Judicial District Democrats endorsed all but one of Gov. Bill Richardson's four appointees for judgeships in Tuesday's primary, according to unofficial results.
Facebook comment investigated In judge's race
May 25, 2010 :: KOAT.com
The battle for a seat on the court of appeals just reached a new level.
Court rules against judicial candidate in campaign financing case
May 24, 2010 :: Santa Fe New Mexican
The New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld Secretary of State Mary Herrera's decision to refuse public campaign financing for state Court of Appeals candidate Dennis Montoya.
Appellate court primary: Former judge, embattled lawyer seek post
May 19, 2010 :: Santa Fe New Mexican
State Court of Appeals races usually are somnolent affairs, but the primary contest between Linda Vanzi and Dennis W. Montoya is shaping up as a provocative one.
Judicial elections: Recently appointed judge faces challenger
May 12, 2010 :: New Mexican
Months after the governor appointed her to the First Judicial District, Sarah Singleton is facing an opponent on the June 1 primary ballot.
NM Supreme Court swears in new chief justice
April 8, 2010 :: Associated Press
New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels is taking over as chief justice.
New York
Politics, judicial selection and Lopez Torres litigation still source of debate
May 7, 2010 :: Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Thomas Spargo, a Republican lawyer and expert on election law, won a close race for town justice outside Albany in 1999.
NY critics says judge selection still flawed
May 1, 2010 :: Associated Press
Thomas Spargo, a Republican lawyer and expert on election law, won a close race for town justice outside Albany in 1999.
Will New York change the rules on donations to judges' campaigns?
April 4, 2010 :: Times Herald-Record
Every so often, some New York lawmakers sponsor a bill that would require lawyers and their clients to disclose the campaign contributions they've made to a judge when they appear before that judge.
North Carolina
Judge hopefuls get public funds
June 11, 2010 :: Washington Daily News
Five statewide judicial candidates have qualified for grants from the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund, which means that most of those office-seekers campaign money will originate with a public source.
GOP club hosts judicial candidates
May 29, 2010 :: Washington Daily News
They re conservative, and they wanted their audience to know it.
Gender, ballot position override qualifications in judicial races
May 2, 2010 :: Daily Reflector
In recent years, North Carolina s system for choosing judges has been alternately praised and condemned.
Three judicial races on primary ballot
April 21, 2010 :: Mountain Xpress
Three judicial contests one local and two statewide will appear on the ballot for the May 4 primary in Buncombe County (see below). All told, they involve 10 candidates about whom voters may know very little.
State judicial candidates belly up to the reform bar
April 14, 2010 :: Mountain Xpress
All 12 candidates in this year's state judicial races has signaled a willingness to abide by public-financing rules in their campaigns.
Two N.C. judges waiting for Senate approval to 4th Circuit court
March 23, 2010 :: Greensboro News-Record
Two North Carolina judges are waiting on the Senate to confirm their appointments to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals nearly two months after getting the nod from the chamber s Judiciary Committee.
O'Connor says judges shouldn't be elected
March 10, 2010 :: Charlotte News & Observer
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said she'd like to see the state move away from electing judges.
North Dakota
Bar Association ranks Grossman as most qualified judicial candidate
May 27, 2010 :: Bismarck Tribune
Parrell Grossman has received the highest overall ranking from State Bar Association of North Dakota members of the four candidates running for an open seat in the South Central Judicial District.
5 area towns have contested judge races June 8
May 26, 2010 :: Dickinson Press
Five area municipal judge positions are up for election in southwest North Dakota.
Judicial elections face many complex issues
May 15, 2010 :: Bismarck Tribune
Judges decide divorces, rule on people s freedoms and make other decisions that may affect voters daily lives.
Ohio
Court asked to let judicial candidates identify party, raise money
July 29, 2010 :: Columbus Dispatch
Judicial candidates in Ohio will appear on the ballot as Democrats and Republicans this November and will be able to speak more freely on political issues if a coalition of liberal interests prevails in a court case filed yesterday.
Ohio Dems, union challenge “free speech” restrictions in judicial elections
July 28, 2010 :: Dayton Daily News
Ohio Democrats and a major public employees union on Wednesday, July 28, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit challenging restrictions that bar judicial candidates in general elections from disclosing their party identifications and soliciting funds.
Ohio high court candidates pledge clean campaign
July 21, 2010 :: Toledo Blade
For the first time, all candidates in competitive races for the Ohio Supreme Court are on the same page, all signing a clean-campaign pledge.
Judicial hopefuls can get political
July 14, 2010 :: Columbus Dispatch
A federal court ruling yesterday could loosen some restrictions that prevent Ohio judicial candidates from speaking freely about their party affiliations and political views.
Chief-justice candidates face campaign complaints
June 23, 2010 :: Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court chief justice and his opponent in the November election now are both the targets of disciplinary complaints alleging that they violated judicial-ethics rules in their campaigns for office.
Chief justice may have broken code of conduct, says GOP
May 25, 2010 :: Dayton Daily News
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Brown made phone calls earlier this month, asking people to attend his May 14 campaign fundraiser.
New Supreme Court Chief Justice vows campaign will not interfere with work
May 5, 2010 :: Hudson Hub Times
New Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Brown vowed May 3 not to let the coming election season get in the way of his work on the state's high court.
New chief justice will stick out on court
April 15, 2010 :: Columbus Dispatch
Gov. Ted Strickland shook up the Ohio Supreme Court yesterday by naming a Democrat to lead it for the first time since 1986 and forcing two political rivals to work together on rulings for the next eight months.
Ohio chief justice pick draws criticism
April 15, 2010 :: Legal Newsline
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland on Wednesday gave a candidate for state Supreme Court chief justice the post on a temporary basis, sparking criticism that the governor needlessly injected politics into the court.
Judicial candidates file complaints
March 19, 2010 :: News-Herald
Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene A. Lucci and 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Colleen Mary O Toole have filed complaints against each other with the Ohio Elections Commission.
Moyer: End election of Ohio justices
March 3, 2010 :: Columbus Dispatch
Entering the homestretch of his 24-year run as Ohio's top jurist, retiring Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer wants to crown his legacy by changing the way justices get their jobs on the Ohio Supreme Court.
Democrats see change on Ohio court
February 23, 2010 :: Associated Press
Come November, there will be at least one Democrat headed onto the all-Republican Ohio Supreme Court.
Ohioans will elect first new chief justice in 24 years
February 18, 2010 :: Cleveland Plain Dealer
With Chief Justice Thomas Moyer retiring at the end of 2010 after 24 years as the head of Ohio's judicial system, the race this year to replace him could become one of the most closely watched court elections in the country.
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor to make run for chief justice official today
February 9, 2010 :: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor is making her run for chief justice official today by filing the required petitions to declare her candidacy.
Democrat to announce run for Ohio chief justice
February 1, 2010 :: Cleveland.com
Franklin County Probate Judge Eric Brown, a Democrat, will announce Tuesday that he will run for Ohio chief justice in the November election.
Reformers hope high court decision will kill judicial elections
February 1, 2010 :: National Law Journal
For years now, judicial reform groups have more or less resigned themselves to the reality that the public likes to elect its state judges and will fight any effort to appoint them instead.
Debate wrestles with selecting judges by election or appointment
January 18, 2010 :: Marietta Times
An age-old debate over whether state supreme court judges should be elected or appointed is regaining attention as some state justices, the American Bar Association and the Ohio League of Women Voters are making a push this year for a change.
Oklahoma
Vietnamese native holds lead in Oklahoma County district judge race
July 28, 2010 :: The Oklahoman
Cindy Truong lead in early returns for Oklahoma County district judge race.
Oregon
Governor to interview judicial finalists
June 14, 2010 :: Democrat Herald
A handful of attorneys from the original pool of 14 who applied to fill two Linn County Circuit Court vacancies are expected to interview this week or next with Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
Appeals court judge wins Ore. Supreme Court race
May 19, 2010 :: Associated Press
An appeals court judge who wrote a historic opinion extending gay and lesbian rights, has won a seat on the Oregon State Supreme Court.
Pennsylvania
Orie and sister will stand trial
July 22, 2010 :: Philadelphia Inquirer
A Western Pennsylvania lawmaker and one of her sisters will stand trial on charges they had the state senator's taxpayer-funded staff do campaign work for the senator and another sister, a state Supreme Court justice.
Justice's conduct being probed
July 1, 2010 :: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
An Allegheny County grand jury will investigate the conduct of state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, the attorney for the justice's sister and administrative assistant said Wednesday.
Merit selection for Pennsylvania judges pushed
June 10, 2010 :: Tribune-Review
Four Pennsylvania governors on Wednesday suggested merit selection of statewide appellate court judges, but ex-Gov. Dick Thornburgh said it's not an issue for the short-winded. He began pushing the issue in 1967.
Governors push to end judicial elections
June 9, 2010 :: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Four governors along with some state legislators, several pro-business organizations and a judicial reform group called Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts want to make a major change in the way Pennsylvania appellate judges are selected.
28 judicial posts likely to remain vacant
May 7, 2010 :: Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania's budget woes have hit the halls of justice.
Pa.'s campaign finance rules draw change proposals
April 25, 2010 :: Associated Press
Donations flooded in last year for the two candidates running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, with nearly $4.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions collected by Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin.
Clock runs on judgeship pick
April 20, 2010 :: Intelligencer Journal
The unexpected death of Lancaster County Judge Henry S. Kenderdine earlier this month has created a vacancy on the local bench that could go unfilled through 2011, officials said.
Rendell to push for appointing, not electing, Pennsylvania's judges
April 20, 2010 :: Times-Tribune
Gov. Ed Rendell will devote some time this week to pushing for merit selection of state appellate court judges, an item on his second-term agenda.
Candidates agree: Reforms are needed
April 1, 2010 :: Morning Call
The six men running for Pennsylvania governor agreed on one thing Wednesday night: State government is broken and needs to be fixed.
Political contributions to statewide justices questioned
March 24, 2010 :: WHTM
The seven members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are elected by voters, but their campaigns are funded by the few who often appear before them.
New study raises concerns about Pa. Supreme Court
March 20, 2010 :: KYW News Radio
A national court reform group says its research raises concerns about the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Governor's push for major reforms not abandoned
January 15, 2010 :: Times-Tribune
The week before Thanksgiving, Gov. Ed Rendell announced in Scranton a push for major reforms to the state's campaign finance law, the way judges are chosen and the process for drawing congressional and legislative district boundaries.
Rhode Island
Indeglia confirmed for Supreme Court position
April 15, 2010 :: Associated Press
There's a new judge on Rhode Island's highest court.
Indeglia nears seat on Supreme Court
April 14, 2010 :: Providence Journal
Gilbert V. Indeglia is one step away from becoming a Rhode Island Supreme Court associate justice after the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously recommended his nomination to the state s highest court.
South Carolina
S.C. justices rule against judge
March 23, 2010 :: The State
The S.C. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the state's judicial screening panel and its decision to find 9th Circuit Family Court Judge F.P. Charlie Segars-Andrews unqualified to continue to serve.
SC Supreme Court considers screening panel
March 3, 2010 :: Associated Press
The South Carolina Supreme Court is considering if a panel dominated by lawmakers can declare judicial candidates unqualified.
Local judge to get day in court
February 19, 2010 :: Post and Courier
The South Carolina Supreme Court has set the date for arguments in the case that 9th Circuit Family Court Judge F.P. Charlie Segars-Andrews brought against the state challenging its method of screening judges.
Smalls-Benjamin race 'got downright ugly'
February 4, 2010 :: The State
Gwendolyne Young Smalls of Columbia was elected by the General Assembly to the state's Family Court on Wednesday, ending a close, tense race that divided the typically tight Legislative Black Caucus.
Several judges re-elected
February 4, 2010 :: Post and Courier
Several Charleston area judges were elected to new terms Wednesday by the Legislature.
Lawsuit delays appointments of S.C. judges
February 1, 2010 :: Post and Courier
The League of Women Voters of South Carolina has weighed in on behalf of Family Court Judge F.P. Segars-Andrews' legal battle before the state Supreme Court.
Peeved judge’s lawsuit stalls judicial selection process in South Carolina
January 27, 2010 :: ABA Journal
A family court judge who was deemed unqualified by South Carolina s Judicial Merit Selection Commission has filed a lawsuit challenging legislators control of the screening body.
Judicial screenings put on hold
January 22, 2010 :: The State
The Senate Judiciary Committee has suspended all further screenings for judges, pending a South Carolina Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission.
Allies line up on judicial challenge
January 11, 2010 :: Post and Courier
Within a week, the speed with which the S.C. Supreme Court will deal with what has turned into a heavyweight challenge to the way judges are qualified in this state may well have been decided.
Tennessee
Memphis Bar releases judicial candidates poll results
July 8, 2010 :: Memphis Daily News
The Memphis Bar Association s poll of most qualified judicial candidates on the Aug. 5 ballot is good news for the three appointed incumbents in the races.
Election choices abound for General Sessions Criminal Court seat
July 6, 2010 :: Commercial Appeal
When Ann Pugh decided to retire from the bench in the spring, she told the Shelby County Commission that she wanted to time it so that anyone interested in succeeding her would have that opportunity.
Two local bars survey judicial fields
June 25, 2010 :: Memphis Daily News
The two local bar associations are moving toward a ranking of candidates in the five special judicial elections on the Aug. 5 ballot.
New vacancies add to judicial races on ballot
May 26, 2010 :: Daily News
The Aug. 5 election will feature five special judicial elections.
Tenn. judicial candidates sign campaign code
April 22, 2010 :: Memphis Daily News
The Tennessee Bar Association announced Wednesday that approximately three-fourths of all the state s judicial candidates vying for election this year have signed a campaign code aimed at preserving public faith in the integrity of the justice system, according to the TBA.
Supreme Court justice prefers merit elections
February 24, 2010 :: Murfreesboro Post
Choosing appellate judges and Supreme Court justices by merit seems to be the most beneficial in Tennessee, a Supreme Court justice said Wednesday to the Rutherford-Cannon Bar Association.
17 apply for vacancy on Tennessee Judicial Nominating Commission
February 10, 2010 :: Associated Press
A vacancy on the Tennessee Judicial Nominating Commission has drawn applications from 17 people.
Texas
Judge from Tarrant County is appointed to Texas Supreme Court
May 28, 2010 :: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Gov. Rick Perry appointed state District Judge Debra Lehrmann to the Texas Supreme Court on Friday, making her the first justice from Tarrant County to serve on the state's highest civil court since the mid-1960s.
Mother-in-law's contribution to Texas Supreme Court hopeful Debra Lehrmann is challenged
April 28, 2010 :: Dallas Morning News
A watchdog group filed an ethics complaint against Supreme Court candidate Debra Lehrmann on Tuesday over whether her mother-in-law could lend her campaign $20,000.
Lehrmann wins GOP Texas Supreme Court race
April 13, 2010 :: Associated Press
Longtime family law judge Debra Lehrmann defeated ex-legislator and evangelical speaker Rick Green on Tuesday in the Republican runoff for the Texas Supreme Court.
Supreme Court race tops Texas runoff ballot
April 12, 2010 :: Dallas Morning News
An ex-legislator and evangelical speaker with tea party appeal is competing against a longtime family law judge in Tuesday's Republican runoff for the Texas Supreme Court.
Texas Supreme Court race hinges on experience
April 7, 2010 :: Star-Telegram
Debra Lehrmann and Rick Green agree on one thing: Republican voters have a clear choice April 13 when they select their Supreme Court nominee to face Democrat Jim Sharp in November.
GOP runoff for Supreme Court pits longtime judge, conservative activist
April 3, 2010 :: Austin American-Statesman
Texas Republicans, what do you want in a Supreme Court justice?
5 former justices endorse Lehrmann for Texas Supreme Court
March 19, 2010 :: Dallas Morning News
In a hotly contested judicial race where endorsements are important, Republican Debra Lehrmann won the backing of Tom Phillips and four other former justices Thursday in her bid for a spot on the Texas Supreme Court.
GOP runoff slated for Texas Supreme Court
March 4, 2010 :: Brenham Banner-Press
The Republican primaries aren t quite over yet, and one of the candidates in the only statewide race still undecided is crediting Washington County with getting her in a runoff.
Two experienced jurists with similar résumés vie for a Supreme Court seat
February 18, 2010 :: Star-Telegram
At first glance, the r sum s of the two candidates in the Republican primary for Place 9 on the Texas Supreme Court are almost indistinguishable.
Candidates set for Texas high court primaries
January 30, 2010 :: Houston Chronicle
There are two Republican primary races for Texas Supreme Court seats: a six-person race for an open seat and two Hispanic women running for the seat one of them just took by appointment.
Three Democratic candidates make push for county judge's seat
January 3, 2010 :: El Paso Times
Three Democratic candidates are making a 60-day sprint to March 2 in the race to become the next El Paso County judge.
Utah
Public meeting to consider judge's appointment
June 3, 2010 :: Standard-Examiner
The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will hold a public meeting to consider the appointment of Thomas R. Lee to the Utah State Supreme Court.
BYU law professor Thomas Lee nominated to Utah Supreme Court
May 29, 2010 :: Deseret News
Clients have sometimes questioned the legal bill they received from Thomas R. Lee not because it was high, but because they wondered how he could charge so little for such a well-written brief.
Court fight on The Hill is avoided
March 11, 2010 :: Salt Lake Tribune
Lawmakers have backed away from their biggest tangle with the courts this year: an effort to have the governor begin selecting the chief justice.
Utah Legislature: Issue of judiciary control in disarray
February 23, 2010 :: Deseret News
A leading state senator says he will abandon his attempt to have Gov. Gary Herbert appoint the Supreme Court's chief justice if another judicial appointment reform bill passes.
Justice backs selection bill to let guv pick high court chief
February 17, 2010 :: Salt Lake Tribune
In his decade on the bench, Justice Michael Wilkins has had his share of dissenting opinions.
Bill to allow governor to appoint Supreme Court Chief Justice advances
February 9, 2010 :: Salt Lake Tribune
A bill that would empower the governor to appoint the chief justice of the Supreme Court every six years narrowly survived a preliminary vote in the Senate on Tuesday.
Senate Majority leader wants governor to pick chief justice
January 29, 2010 :: Salt Lake Tribune
For more than a century, the five justices of the Utah Supreme Court have decided among themselves who should lead the state's judiciary as chief justice.
Vermont
House passes judiciary restructuring legislation
March 24, 2010 :: Vermont Public Radio
The Vermont House has approved legislation that supporters say is needed to ensure that all Vermonters have equal access to the state's legal system in the future.
Virginia
Va. faces shortage of judges
May 2, 2010 :: Richmond Times-Dispatch
In less than nine weeks, Valentine W. Southall Jr. could become the most overworked judge in Virginia.
Mims sworn in as Supreme Court justice
April 10, 2010 :: Times-Dispatch
The only thing far-left about Virginia's newest Supreme Court justice, William C. Mims, is where he sits in the high-ceilinged chamber.
Mims selected for Va. Supreme Court seat
March 10, 2010 :: Washington Post
The Virginia General Assembly today selected William C. Mims, a former attorney general and Republican legislator from Loudoun County, to fill a vacancy on the Virginia Supreme Court.
House budget cuts 19 judgeships
March 3, 2010 :: Virginian-Pilot
The wheels of justice could be slowed in some of Virginia's busiest courtrooms if budget writers in the House of Delegates have their way.
Keenan confirmed, legislators to pick a replacement on Virginia Supreme Court
March 2, 2010 :: Washington Post
After four long months, the U.S. Senate confirmed Virginia Supreme Court Justice Barbara Keenan to the federal bench this afternoon.
Washington
Judicial rules are odd mix
June 17, 2010 :: The Olympian
Peculiar rules for judicial elections will require some unopposed judicial candidates to appear on the ballot this summer, but not others.
State won't print voters' guide for primary
June 11, 2010 :: Bellingham Herald
Blame Washington state's money problems, but voters won't get a copy of the state elections pamphlet in the mail for the Aug. 17 primary election this year.
Third state justice to seek re-election
March 11, 2010 :: The Olympian
On Wednesday, Justice James M. Jim Johnson of Olympia became the third Supreme Court justice to say he is running for re-election this year.
Bainbridge attorney to run against Justice Sanders
February 19, 2010 :: Seattle Times
Bainbridge Island attorney Charlie Wiggins plans to seek the Washington state Supreme Court seat of Justice Richard Sanders, perhaps the most visible member of the court because of his penchant for making headlines.
Washington SC Justice Sanders faces challenge
February 5, 2010 :: LegalNewsline.com
Washington Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders faces a challenge this year from a Bainbridge, Wash., attorney.
Under the Dome
February 3, 2010 :: The Olympian
A House committee approved public financing for judicial elections Tuesday, the first time such a plan has cleared that first hurdle in Washington.
New chief justice of Wash. Supreme Court sworn in
January 11, 2010 :: Seattle Times
The Washington state Supreme Court has a new chief justice.
West Virginia
Big money already flowing Into judicial elections
April 12, 2010 :: National Journal
Close to four months after the Supreme Court's landmark ruling to roll back restrictions on corporate political spending, conservatives continue to downplay its significance.
States act to revise judicial selection
March 30, 2010 :: USA Today
A growing number of states are rewriting their rules on selecting judges to curb the influence of special interests on judicial contests.
Election legislation could attract lawsuits
March 28, 2010 :: Associated Press
West Virginia officials may wind up in court over a pair of measures passed this legislative session that would change how elections are conducted.
Supreme Court public campaign finance bill signed
March 24, 2010 :: Register-Herald
Manchin had proposed such a bill as a pilot project to gauge the success of publicly financed campaigns in West Virginia.
W.Va. lawmakers approve judicial nominations bill
March 13, 2010 :: Associated Press
West Virginia could soon make permanent the practice of governors filling empty seats in the state's court system with nominees recommended by a committee.
Group questions constitutionality of judicial public finance system
March 11, 2010 :: The State Journal
Legislation setting up a public financing system for West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals elections could land the state in a lawsuit over its constitutionality, according to an organization involved in legal action over a similar law in Wisconsin.
W.Va. voters want candidates to use taxpayer money, poll shows
March 9, 2010 :: West Virginia Record
A recent poll shows that a majority of West Virginia voters support public financing of state Supreme Court elections.
W.Va. getting attention for election funding bill
March 8, 2010 :: Associated Press
Several national groups are taking sides on legislation, approved Monday in the state Senate, that would offer public funds to future candidates for West Virginia's Supreme Court.
WV House of Delegates OKs public funding of court races
March 3, 2010 :: Herald-Dispatch
A bill that would create a pilot program setting new campaign regulations for West Virginia Supreme Court candidates passed the House of Delegates Wednesday by a vote a 67-30.
Judicial changes proposed at Legislature
February 24, 2010 :: Associated Press
From revamping Supreme Court elections to raising the bar for county magistrates, West Virginia lawmakers are advancing a number of proposals this session to change the state's judicial branch.
Public financing bill moves on
February 22, 2010 :: MetroNews
Governor Joe Manchin's public financing election bill is moving forward at the legislature. The measure passed the House Judiciary Committee Monday.
In W.Va., plans to reshape supreme court
January 14, 2010 :: Associated Press
Gov. Joe Manchin and the state Supreme Court hope to shore up public confidence in a West Virginia judicial system that has been scrutinized by the nation's highest court and branded a hellhole by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Manchin has two judicial reform bills
January 13, 2010 :: The West Virginia Record
Gov. Joe Manchin plans to introduce two pieces of legislation focusing on judicial reform during this year's legislative session.
Wisconsin
California Chief Justice Ron George stepping down
July 14, 2010 :: Associated Press
California Chief Justice Ron George announced his retirement Wednesday, stunning colleagues and court watchers who saw him issue the opinion that briefly legalized gay marriage and passionately work to consolidate the state's once Byzantine court system.
With Supreme Court deadlocked, commission drops Gableman ethics case
July 8, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The state Judicial Commission abandoned its ethics case Thursday against state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, saying it didn't have the power to pursue the matter further.
3 justices say court is ethically adrift
July 7, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Three state Supreme Court justices called Wednesday for the Legislature to consider setting ethical rules for judges because they question whether the high court's majority can do so.
State Supreme Court deadlocked on Gableman ethics case
July 1, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A fractured state Supreme Court deadlocked Wednesday on the fate of Justice Michael Gableman's ethics case, failing to agree on an outcome or even a way forward in the matter.
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago decides Wisconsin judges can join political parties
June 15, 2010 :: Associated Press
Wisconsin judges can join political parties but cannot endorse partisan candidates for office or solicit campaign donations, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.
Justice O’Connor raises issues of judicial independence and civics education at State Bar’s Annual C
May 6, 2010 :: State Bar of Wisconsin
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O Connor addressed the importance of judicial independence and civics education to the continued vitality of our country in her key note speech today at the State Bar of Wisconsin s Annual Convention in Madison.
Justices wrestle with limits of judicial campaign speech
April 22, 2010 :: Wisconsin Law Journal
Wisconsin voters got a break this spring from the cantankerous back-and-forth common to recent state Supreme Court campaigns.
Supreme Court justices hear arguments in a case against one of their own
April 16, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson said Friday that a colleague's ethics case presents a particularly tough challenge for the court, but she hinted that the most drastic action against Justice Michael Gableman was unlikely.
Judges face off for seat on Court of Appeals
March 29, 2010 :: Janesville Gazette
Linda M. Van De Water and Paul F. Reilly, the two Waukesha County judges competing for a seat on the 2nd District Court of Appeals, said the contest is about qualifications, experience and reputation.
Gableman wants Crooks off of ethics case
March 22, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who has spent the last year fighting efforts to remove him from cases for bias, is now trying to force Justice N. Patrick Crooks from an ethics case against Gableman.
Waukesha County judicial candidates spar over experience
March 14, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Experience is the key qualification in the contest for Waukesha County Circuit Court Branch 2 judge, both candidates agree.
Judge: Groups that backed public funding for Supreme Court races can't intervene in lawsuits
March 12, 2010 :: Associated Press
A judge says three groups that support campaign finance reform cannot intervene in two lawsuits challenging Wisconsin's new law expanding public financing for Supreme Court races.
Court bills meet mixed fate in legislature
March 3, 2010 :: West Virginia Media
A proposed experiment to publicly finance elections for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals was moving closer to reality as the state Legislature entered the final days of the 2010 session.
Is the stage set for judicial elections to become more partisan in Wisconsin?
February 13, 2010 :: Wisconsin State Journal
Despite a year-old federal ruling allowing state judicial candidates to come out of the partisan closet, the candidates in Tuesday's statewide judicial primary say they don't plan to take advantage of their new freedom to join a political party.
States weigh judicial recusals
January 26, 2010 :: Wall Street Journal
More states are responding to a longstanding concern that elected judges risk the appearance of bias when they hear cases involving their campaign contributors.
Court adopts new campaign donation rules
January 21, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The state Supreme Court adopted rules Thursday that say campaign donations from people and groups with cases before the court are not, by themselves, enough to force judges off cases.
Sorting out Caperton in the Midwest
January 19, 2010 :: Am Law Daily
Wisconsin is about to join Michigan as the second state to sort out the thorny issue of recusal and judicial elections in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Caperton v. Massey last year, according to lawyers we spoke to today and this piece in the Milwaukee Journal...
Proposed order on judicial donations remains up for debate
January 18, 2010 :: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Forcing judges off cases because of campaign donations would impair the public's ability to participate in judicial elections, says a proposed order by the state Supreme Court that could be finalized Thursday.