[livius]

I wish. It seems that the judge is the only truly unreachable authority in our system, responsible to no one, never having to explain or defend his acts. Many are technically elected, but never have to campaign and people know little about them. Most of the time, they are essentially appointed by whatever is the dominant political party in their area and then rubber-stamped by the voters (those few who even bother to vote for that particular line). And, oddly enough, when there is a conflict of interest, it's up to them to acknowledge this and recuse themselves - nobody can come along and remove them from a case unless there's criminal activity involved.

Personally, I'd like to see some judicial reform. Judges should at least not enjoy impunity at the polls - they should have to campaign and they should have to defend their decisions before the public.

[FR_addict]

"Personally, I'd like to see some judicial reform. Judges should at least not enjoy impunity at the polls - they should have to campaign and they should have to defend their decisions before the public."

I'm not sure if they need to be elected, but we must start holding them accountable for their decisions.

[pickyourpoison]

I always vote against retaining them. Frankly just don't want my tax dollars paying for their retirement.

[supercat]

And, oddly enough, when there is a conflict of interest, it's up to them to acknowledge this and recuse themselves - nobody can come along and remove them from a case unless there's criminal activity involved.

What are the odds that an audit of Terri's books will show criminal activity in which Judge Greer was complicit?

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Yep. I understand the need for checks and balances, but that doesn't mean that the judicial branch should have the ultimate authority to rule however they want with no accountability and an explanation to the public is an option that is often not exercised.

[Conservababe]

Personally, I'd like to see some judicial reform. Judges should at least not enjoy impunity at the polls - they should have to campaign and they should have to defend their decisions before the public.

As my grandmother used to say "boy, did you speak a mouthful". I agree.

The courts are the powerful branch of government, and the ones we pay least attention to in elections. I am guilty as the rest, I suppose.

But, I will pay more attention next election and demand debates of the candidates for judges. Hey, if they want the job, they should go through the interview.

[Mo1]

I wish. It seems that the judge is the only truly unreachable authority in our system, responsible to no one, never having to explain or defend his acts

Which is why the Clinton's and the Dems packed the courts with liberal judges and are now blocking votes in DC