Picking Supreme Court Justices

Posted Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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Ohio Supreme Court chief justice Thomas Moyer says money is playing too big a role in races for seats on the high court. He wants to change that by ending popular election of justices and letting the Governor appoint them from a list compiled by a nominating committee. Moyer is part of a broader push by former U.S. Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the American Bar Association to eliminate judicial elections nationwide. Ohio voters have twice rejected merit selection schemes, the last time in 1987. Justice Moyer will explain why it might be different this time. Join us with your thoughts Tuesday morning at 9:00.

Guests

Thomas Moyer, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice
Les Jacobs, Senior Partner, Thompson Hine

Please follow our community discussion rules when composing your comments.

John 10:33 AM 12/22/09

In France, judges are educated through a career path speciality process not unlike a doctor who chooses a speciality. They then get appointed to a local seat (Justice of Peace?) and gain a reputation earned gradually through their opinions and build a career.

Rich DeColibus 10:36 AM 12/22/09

No system is perfect and nay-sayers can always find fault with any proposal. If the nominating panel is bipartisan and held at distance from the governor who makes the final pick, this is better than the buy-a-judge system we currently have.

glen 10:46 AM 12/22/09

1. Has justice Moyers ever let contributions influence a decision?
2. Has justice Moyers ever seen a contribution influence decisions of his colleagues?
If not is this really necessary?