Why the Hell do we have elected judges in the first place???

[Keith Bee]

Britain doesn't. Canada doesn't. I find myself wondering: Would the Brits have universal health care if judges had to earn the votes of Teabaggers? Would gay Canadians be able to legally marry if their judges had to kowtow to wingnuts?

And don't even try pointing out that the SCOTUS isn't elected. Fuck, the Supremes are the most politicized of ALL!

[Scuba]

1. That's what it says in the State Constitution. Need an ammendment to change it. n/t

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. So we can have the finest money can buy.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

3. Either that or appointed I guess

ok I won't point out SCOTUS

[Davis_X_Machina]

4. It was one of the cornerstones...

...of the late 1800's-early 1900's Progressive movement.

Usually part of a package with initiative and referendum.

[backscatter712]

5. It's not good for democracy. And it's very bad for judicial independence.

Especially in the wake of Citizens United, we end up with judges who are pushed to rule in favor of those that finance their campaigns.

"You dance with him that brung ya."

[Keith Bee]

12. At first, I thought you were in disagreement with me

Good thing I took my meds before re-reading. :evilgrin:

[Le Taz Hot]

6. We do it in California.

I think it's a great system. Far less likely to be manipulated by politicians and we don't end up with abortions like Scalia and Thomas.

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. Do you think that Walker would have appointed Kloppenberg, or reappointed Prosser?

[MrCoffee]

8. Voting for judges is a terrible idea

I wish we didn't do it.

[WatsonT]

9. To hold them accountable to the people

And your post seems to contradict itself.

You lament how politicized elected judges are then point out how much worse the unelected supreme court is.

Seems like they are politicized regardless.

[OHdem10]

10. Sandra Day O'Connor former SCJ has this as one of her causes

in Retirement. She sees a threat to our System of Justice
and is on TV whenever given the opportunity.

[Keith Bee]

11. How can the average American make an informed election choice...

...when s/he is getting constantly bombarded by right-wing bullshit?