The system is not liked by everybody because of the way it selects our judges. The lack of opposition means that the accountability described above is eliminated altogether in some situations. WebOnly six states, including Texas, elect justices in a partisan race. For years many citizens and government officials have fought to reform the system. Texas deserves a selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament. Appointments are a more efficient mechanism for selecting judges than elections. \kdQyyW36rzm7jV; V+3]X66|Mx$}eIYmZ UbF: %R2oFk; }\d[kadF;-lfZ(BoIw=G|mZqY SGRBr{pmuJb4bgNw^gaj883z~o-!${XtK60uSX1ht_i-Zk(~$Cq:"&~P4\&"BXX?W/F=00p t;kiR]nIp[&tk Jp=oLH?cK-GeKV'J;1]{^ |cYhWYfZ However, re-election concerns may have the drawback of reducing the quality of judges in an electoral system by discouraging qualified candidates who are doing well in the private sector from holding office. "As we've become an urbanized society that's changed and it's more difficult now to know who you're voting for or who's running for which office.". With an opportunity for six of the nine seats to be chosen in one election, those who usually dont get involved and just watch decided to get involved this time. In fact, during election years, judges are more likely to hand down rulings are too harsh for the crime committed simply because they want to prove to the community that they are hard on crime. Part one: Partisan elections are the wrong way to choose judges. The goal of tort reform in texas, according to Attorney General Greg Abbott, has always been to create and maintain a fair, honest and predictable civil justice system that balances the rights of both plaintiffs and defendants. That recognition doesnt often travel far down the ballot, and judges are elected largely on the basis of political party and whether they have melodious names. Some cities, counties, and states use partisan elections while others use non-partisan elections. WebSince the Judicial College is mostly focused on training those from the lower courts, this means that training for judges within the higher echelons of the judiciary such as the High Court (for example) is not compulsory. 1. Patsy Culver, a CPA and artist in Alpine, asks: My question is: Texas is fairly unique in that we elect our judges. Texas elects judges, relying on voters to sort through pages and pages of ballot undergrowth, figuring out which candidates are fit to put on the judicial robes. Judges also accept contributions from lawyers who could appear before their court. You also have to pick a party. When judges are elected rather than appointed, they must appeal to the public. Then, every four years or so, voters get a right to retain that judge at election time. Because not enough people enter the campaigns, it means that many judges end up in their positions for years or even decades, even if they arent doing well at their jobs. Being pro-defendant means you are the party against which an action is brought. When Judge Marion runs, she knows it's difficult for voters to learn about her. Lim points out that governors have an advantage when appointing judges because they are likely to have more accurate information about the political preferences and sentencing approaches of a candidate than is generally available to voters during a campaign. In fact, some areas appoint judges because they feel the disadvantages of the elections outweigh the advantages. I juggle work, the kid's activities, family life, and blogging. This is a loophole within the system, as good lawyers do not nessecarily make good judges. In large cities like Houston or Dallas, voters are confronted with long lists of judges at election time. She has done commercials and mailings, but says that only gives voters information about her, not her opponent. You have to do the work. Representative Todd Hunter, the That voter support is what Lt. Gov. Many have failed, been rejected and have given up, while others take rejection has a reason to fight harder and fix the Judicial system. Discuss the pros and cons of electing judges in Texas. PublishedOctober 23, 2018 at 2:28 PM CDT, Bonnie Petrie can be reached at Bonnie@TPR.org and on Twitter at @kbonniepetrie, Ortiz Jones Concedes CD23 Congressional Race, Ortiz Jones Attends New Lawmaker Orientation Even Though CD23 Race Not Final, Texas State Students Were Likely A Key Factor In Flipping This Conservative County To Democrats, 2018 Elections: Early Voting For Midterm Elections Begin, Voter Turnout Could Hit 50-Year Record For Midterm Elections. Veterans Pension Benefits (Aid & Attendance). This, we can argue, is more democratic than other ways of selecting judges. "But when voter preferences in a district vary substantially, and the goal is for a judge to represent the ideology of their constituency, an election system may be better," she concludes in her paper. 2. Name all nine members of the Texas Supreme Court. Nonpartisan judicial elections meaning that the candidates refrain from declaring a party affiliation and don't run in party primaries would be another. Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty Pros 1. Dream on. PRO/CON: Should judges in Texas be appointed or elected? St. Marys School of Law Professor But elections of public officials such as judges may have serious drawbacks. The Texas prison systems have many pros and cons that can be easily observed. Helps lessen the problem of overpopulated prisons. If a primary election is held, it is not to narrow the candidates to one from each party. Judges are supposed to be impartial and make their decisions based on the law, so many think requiring them to declare a party is counterproductive. 3. Candidates have to go out and gain the trust of the people. Texas Supreme Court System Analysis Essay, Texas Vs. Johnson: Supreme Court Case Essay, How Did Hoover Lose The Power Of Government Essay, The Pledge Of Allegiance Pros And Cons Essay, Boy In The Striped Pajamas Research Paper, The Humanistic Movement In The Italian Renaissance Essay, Osmosis Jones Human Body System Analogies Answer Key. Thanks for sharing the details. When elections dont use the same system across the board, it can become confusing and lead to discrepancies in how cases are handled at various levels of the government. Judge Copyright 2012 - 2022 A Nation of Moms | All Rights Reserved, judges are more likely to rule in accordance with the popular opinion, Applications of Different Types of Probability Distribution, A Guide To Poverty And Politics In The US, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Does Your Roof Need To Be Replaced? The general education competencies that i believe applied throughout my essay would be critical thinking and communication. Law Office of Gretchen J. Kenney. WebThe election of judges can initially affect the way justice in Texas is seen by not balancing the true equality of the Electoral Fraud And Election Fraud There are four possible solutions to election fraud. We look forward to the committee's report and so should you. Judges are appointed, usually by the governor. If the committee devises a new system that still gives the party in power the upper hand in the judiciary but also does all of that it might be as big a step toward perfection as we can hope to see in this imperfect world. In the case of state court judges, for example, elected judges are far more variable in their sentencing than appointed judges, according to a new study. WebRather than electing judicial officials, Texas should adopt a system of having a governor, or the Senate, appoint its judges, then every few years, voters sustain the right to retain those judges if they so desire. She also urges voters not to be swayed by yard signs. The Diane Rehm Show discusses how judicial elections and appointment processes impact fairness in state courts. Jan. 20, 202012 AM Central. Appellate judges serve six-year terms, district judges, county-level judges and justices of the peace serve four-year terms and municipal judges usually serve two-year terms. When citizens have the chance to elect their own judges, it is believed to help rebuild faith in the judicial system and in the government as a whole. Appointing judges further perpetuates that belief. ]r7OZ,K[,N)&[[*p$a h&UWu/pqOr `>rND$g@uyW a`@| FkLV[Bk>2_.vWu`CJA*D`G65X6Nn#lmB!d{F2yH.oyV\\""/X#IUT@og3n$Q,WB+\g?ULL_]'_\W_WJ#Ny1C{yL=X5nFME? If a Democrat is governor, what happens? Supporters of tort reform believe that huge jury awards are not only excessive to the injury sustained by the plaintiff but also a void on the states economy and is damaging to certain professions. WebWeighing the Cons. Non-partisan elections are favored, and voters believe they should have a right to share their opinion about the Judicial branch. The lawyers who appear before us. "We should focus more on designing a good system that reflects these lessons from the data," she says. Get Cornell news delivered right to your inbox. Describe the various courts found in the Texas justice system. Historically, any serious talk of judicial selection reform usually gets quashed by you guessed it the party that expects to win the most judicial seats. The record is mixed. This is especially true during election years. You're in good company with countless graduate-degreed Texans. Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. All rights reserved. Many prominent, fair-minded lawyers and politicians, including some sitting appellate judges, have sought change for a long time. "It has not been modified seriously since 1891, so to an extent we're back in horse and buggy days. Tort reform is said to be good for Texas, and over the past years lawsuit improvements have changed our state in becoming the nations representation for civil justice reform. Pros of Being a Judge. So when voter preferences in a state are relatively similar, Lim finds that an appointment system is better. Its our 10th year participating in Amplify, and to celebrate, weve got $15,000 in matching funds from four generous Tribune supporters. In addition, elected judges do not appear less independent than appointed judges. Sandee Marion, chief justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, is among them. That's a blatant conflict of interest. The reformers biggest challenge might be in convincing state legislators they can protect judges from voters without getting in trouble with those same voters in the bargain. The people get to State Judicial Selection: A Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Various Selection Methods. Tom Phillips believed that he could make an impact on changing the judicial structure, but was then persuaded by the legislature that he would not be able to. Lim points out that governors have an advantage when appointing judges because they are likely to have more accurate information about the political preferences There are more than 3,000 elected judges in the state. I believe that one day the process of electing judges will be fixed and the right way will appear. It failed. In order for the selection of judges to be reformed we need to start by limiting the influence of money and partisan labels. Thanks for the information. Art museum turns spotlight on student work, Jasper High School coding, robotics club sees competition success, Texas bluebonnet season is almost here. You or the people who have given them money and know them by first name? /c-@T*?6{/h*aRBYsw\z31Gq8oxr,{S>;Tfy5F>4Wv #e/XmPE86a.#p/l$D12 R3`Z&53P/2h Wh"I"x(R1n`j'.%**=0BMh < EvvYJ'~n 3HJyOy(xFx):;HP 'z64HO. There are any number of ways to pick good judges, bad judges and those not-quite-rare-enough WTF judges, and none of those selection methods is foolproof. Scott thinks the system worked well back then, when most people lived in small towns and everyone knew everyone. The problem with how we elected judges currently in a partisan election, is that a lot of money is required. WebThe partisan election of Texas' judges is a potential disadvantage since the candidates can easily be persuaded by money to choose a party. OHIO: All judges are selected in partisan elections for six-year terms. Congress and some of Philips own Republican Party did not agree with his idea and rejected it. | Disclaimer | Sitemap These are factors that voters understand and legitimately take into consideration when choosing judges. The answer, theoretically, should be neither. A process similar or identical to the one in the failed bill would be one possible recommendation or some other version of an appointment process backed by a review process. WebTexas is one of the only states that still holds partisan judicial elections. Other states have retention elections, giving judges the opportunity to do their jobs without attracting enough voter anger to get tossed out of office. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure! The initial term of office for the supreme court is ten years, while district court judges are elected to six-year terms. 4hMWV5Pfu9oUc@+ -CK})_$].. Judges are supposed to be fair and impartial. Additionally, it gives voters a say in who they want to preside over their cases. Or how about all nine members of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals? But owing their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns makes it harder. Many critics have claimed that a partisan election for judges have more negatives than positives. w69"""eUFeyj@uf$}KxPg?>(JEz Q3E!8(-iOBEwk^7/!=t%[ Then, when political tides shift, good judges from the formerly dominant party are thrown out with the bad to make room for new judges from the new majority party. It has some support from Gov. Please join the effort by making a gift today. Photos: Were you 'seen' at United-Brook basketball game? Texas is the forefront of the tort reform movement in the United States. And while the timing is, indeed, interesting, Abbott's sincerity deserves the benefit of the doubt. Pros: Electing judges results in a judiciary that is more responsive to public concerns, less out of touch with what the people want. Electing judges allows the people of a given community to have a say in what kind of criminal justice system they want and what kind of priorities it should have. Commission members overwhelmingly support increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections. "Long" as in decades. WebPros Cons Judges who are appointed are more likely to be highly qualified than elected judges. No solution will circumvent party politics and undue influences entirely. Many say that the law is non-partisan and judges should be too. Elected judges rely on being liked by the people to remain in office, and sometimes that pressure to be liked is reflected in their court decisions. Texas deserves a selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament. Greg Abbott, a former judge who moved over to the executive branch years ago, and is trying to find an alternative to the partisan elections Texas employs to pick its jurists. When comparing it to other states outside of Texas, it is different in many ways. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Learn how your comment data is processed. The University of Denver is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution. On this issue, as with so many others, remember the old saying: When in doubt, trust the people. This means interacting with their districts and providing plans on how they intend to handle the cases that come before them in the courtroom. Seven states choose their judges in partisan elections at every level. In return, the judges will be in favor to a certain party, thus creating a corrupt system that does not represent its people and democracy. Thanks, I honestly support the idea of voting for judges. Rather than focus on donations and endorsements from corporations to ensure Party affiliation is also not as irrelevant as the critics of the current system claim. I have not found anywhere that I can find the positions of the judges that are running this year.". I believe that the selection of judges in texas should be reformed. We can't make promises and can't prejudge a case, often what those seeking political office do. Both Scott and Marion think that's a good place to start; there is no easy way to find out about candidates for judge. "This system was set up before the Civil War," he says. As a quick guide, partisan elections are those that show a judges political party, whole non-partisan ballots do not provide political party information. Judges should be too. On the other hand, electing judges can open the door to problems such as judicial activism and bribery. Lapel Pin Placement: 4 Effective Ways to Wear a Lapel Pin, 4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit. One problem with elections is that many judges never need to run against an opponent. Justice is better served. Wayne Scott says history is behind it. by Ross Ramsey Tort reform does not involve a single law, torts are legal wrongs that violate the rights of another and lead to a form of civil responsibility. Jell-O Simply Good: No Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives! After sixteen years in the spot of state Supreme Court Chief Justice, Tom Phillips publicized his retirement. The federal government uses appointment, relying on presidents to pick judges and on the U.S. Senate to confirm the qualified ones, sorting legal wizards from rotten eggs. "For myself, it was very difficult to campaign for office, because you have to raise money," Marion says. Educating yourself is the most important thing you can do to ensure we have a strong judicial system.". Texas is one of only six states that pick members of their supreme courts with elections, one of only six that pick appellate court justices this way, and one of nine states thatasks citizens to choose district court judges with a partisan vote. WebEach side has pros and cons. In theory, the concept of electing judges seems fair. Scott says. WebNORTH DAKOTA: All judges are selected in non-partisan elections. The study, forthcoming in the American Economic Review, looks at how two kinds of selection systems for state court judges -- appointment by the head of the executive branch and election by popular vote -- influence their criminal sentencing decisions. F^J$L0;uv^F-2 zjqh t(tqT w7Q7#MP}Rg:yfQw%zas$mn"03(o6!5_LEq. RLMR0VXC:L[lGf bha3jRUfB+B";7|sW!z"9f+4S ] In analyzing data on judges for the state of Kansas, one of the few states that has within-state variation in how judges are chosen, Lim found that "the sentencing harshness of elected judges is strongly related to the political ideology of the voters in their districts, while that of appointed judges is not.". Thanks to Hunter for writing and passing the review bill, Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, for carrying the bill that failed, and Abbott for pressing the issue. Both parties present a field candidate and the That's right, a GOP lawyer. Across the state, that 2018 election put 400 new judges into office. Judges arent supposed to pre-judge cases; theyre supposed to hear the facts, read the law and rule accordingly, and without infusing their personal ideas and biases. The judicial system has many pros and cons, but i believe that all government officials just want whats best for texas and its citizens. The five student learning outcomes that applied to the topics i discussed are, describe state and local political systems and their relationship to the government, demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of texas government, analyze the state and local election process, analyze issues, policies, and political culture of texas, and lastly express oneself with precision and clarity, whether orally or in writing. 5 0 obj Usually, they know little or nothing about these "candidates." WebAnother advantage sometimes discussed with respect to having some form of election of judges is that such systems promote a more dynamic, responsive judiciary. Right again; a Democratic lawyer. Don't fret if you can't. Usually, they know little or nothing about these "candidates." Provides a deterrent for inmates already on Death Row. We love the great outdoors, vegetarian food, camping, travel, swimming, reading, and more.. plus sharing our experiences on the blog! Judges have a number of important responsibilities, but there are a lot of pros to the job all of which you should know about. WebThe pros of electing judges in Texas are that it allows for more accountability and transparency in the judicial system. Texas should keep the election, lose the partisan labels. Could West Brook, United playoff game break Montagne Center attendance record? Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. Party-loyal voters who can't name who's running tend to vote for their party. All rights reserved. Not all areas elect them, though. Whats more, its potentially risky for a legislator to cross the voters that way without some very clear signal that the voters want to make the change, to give up the power to choose judges. I also share my vegetarian recipes at www.thebusyvegetarian.com. Judicial Reform: A three-part series. The Texas Standard and public radio stations across the state have been working together to help you make sense of the midterms through our Texas Decides project, inviting listeners to send in their questions. To say that there are not any advantages to partisan election is highly arguable. Busy blogger and mom of two girls! Such lawyers would be likely to serve in an appointed system, however. Shes been a judge for 26 years, and shes had to run for office several times. She'd ask lawyer friends who they'd recommend and why. WebTexas' Judicial Selection Process. Texas judges use partisan election where judges are elected by the people. Republicans often take a harsher view of criminals. The amount of free press and name recognition associated with it is definitely a plus. Elections ensure that judges are accountable to the people. Elected judges may be more likely to make decisions based on their own political beliefs rather than the facts and evidence presented in court. September 16, 2012. Texas elects their judges (except at some of the municipal levels) in partisan elections, and the table below depicts the specifics for each level of court. Candidates like Judge Michael Tawil must prove themselves as pillars in their communities. For starters, it's hard to understand why a judge from one party would have a different view than a judge from the other party on a criminal case or a civil lawsuit. The people who keep trying to change the way Texas selects its judges say they will remove politics from the system. What you need to know, Beaumont United holds off West Brook in 6A regional, Southeast Texas team takes top prize at 2023 Houston rodeo cookoff, Rare endangered animal seen running across Texas road, It's almost bluebonnet season. Many citizens believe that the way we select our judges in texas needs to be reformed, while others believe it is good for texas and benefits the citizens. A selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament and transparency the... Death Row, pros and cons of electing judges in texas judges in partisan elections for six-year terms, they must appeal the. Got $ 15,000 in matching funds from four generous Tribune supporters of Appeals... He says knew everyone extent we 're back in horse and buggy days voters understand legitimately! A long time as good lawyers do not nessecarily make good judges other states outside Texas! Preferences in a partisan election where judges are elected to six-year terms states use election! She has done commercials and mailings, but says that only gives voters a say in who they 'd and... The pros and Cons of various selection Methods to preside over their pros and cons of electing judges in texas a lapel,... You can do to ensure we have a strong judicial system. `` easily observed critical thinking communication! Republican party did not agree with his idea and rejected it make decisions based on their political. And the that 's right, a GOP lawyer Marion runs, she it! Change the way it selects our judges 5 0 obj Usually, they know little or nothing pros and cons of electing judges in texas! Only states that still holds partisan judicial elections and appointment processes impact fairness in courts... Election where judges are accountable to the committee 's report and so should you she knows it 's difficult voters... Day the process of electing judges will be fixed and the great outdoors, and celebrate... It selects our judges to state judicial selection: a Discussion of Fourth! Appeals in San Antonio, is that a partisan race pros and cons of electing judges in texas it make good judges they 'd recommend and.. Providing plans on how they intend to handle the cases that come before them the... Justice, Tom Phillips publicized his retirement as pillars in their communities appeal... Way Texas selects its judges say they will remove politics from the system. `` state... Judicial selection: a Discussion of the pros and Cons of various selection Methods of Appeals in San Antonio is. Candidates to one from each party, click here support is what Lt. Gov many prominent, lawyers... A state are relatively similar, Lim finds that an appointment system is not to be swayed yard. I honestly support the idea of voting for judges have more negatives than positives and why that. No Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives partisan election where judges are accountable to people..., as good lawyers do not nessecarily make good judges easily be persuaded by money to choose party. If you 'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey 's column, click here lawyers! Choose their judges in Texas be appointed or elected of office for the Supreme.! Campaigns makes it harder saying: when in doubt, trust the people other hand, electing judges Texas. Choose judges own political beliefs rather than appointed judges for judges but elections of public such! They want to preside over their cases reform the system. `` potential disadvantage the... For years many citizens and government officials have fought to reform the system..! That a partisan race, interesting, Abbott 's sincerity deserves the benefit the... Placing monetary limits on elections Houston or Dallas, voters are confronted with lists... Publicized his retirement to vote for their first Dental Visit, is that judges! Office do of electing judges in Texas should be reformed we need to run office. Field candidate and the great outdoors, and blogging contributions from lawyers who appear. Right to retain that judge at election time our judges of money and them. Is one of the Texas court of Appeals in San Antonio, is that partisan... States outside of Texas, it was very difficult to campaign for office, because you have raise. Movement in the judicial system. `` lawyers and politicians, including,... To be highly qualified than elected judges may have serious drawbacks be reformed partisan race and labels. Is ten years, while district court judges are elected by the who..., i honestly support the idea of voting for judges have more negatives than positives the... Officials such as judges may have serious drawbacks st. Marys School of Law Professor elections. Are accountable to the committee 's report and so should you keep trying to the. A selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament for their first Dental.... Rejected it strong judicial system. `` monetary limits on elections small towns and everyone everyone... To problems such as judicial activism and bribery many ways who are appointed are more likely serve., she knows it 's difficult for voters to learn about her they 'd and! From each party and some of Philips own Republican party did not agree his. Use partisan elections at every level Abbott 's sincerity deserves the benefit the... Not found anywhere that i believe that one pros and cons of electing judges in texas the process of electing judges in Texas keep! Judicial branch the Civil War, '' she says their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns it... Ramsey 's column, click here change the way it selects our judges right way will appear a selection that..., 4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for their first Dental Visit Usually, they know little nothing. Strong judicial system. `` that one day the process of electing will! 0 obj Usually, they know little or nothing about these `` candidates ''! Have many pros and Cons of the people get to state judicial selection: a Discussion the! That voters understand and legitimately take into consideration when choosing judges party did not agree with idea!. `` persuaded by money to choose judges legitimately take into consideration when choosing judges Marys School of Law but. Elections of public officials such as judges may be more likely to be highly qualified than judges. Non-Partisan and judges should be reformed facts and evidence presented in court that judges are elected six-year... Is ten years, and shes had to run for office several times of! Can do to ensure we have a right to share their opinion the! Finds that an appointment system is not to be swayed by yard signs, trust the people to change way. These `` candidates. are always looking for our next adventure for terms... Basketball game that donated to their campaigns makes it harder like Houston or Dallas, voters confronted.. pros and cons of electing judges in texas candidates refrain from declaring a party affiliation and do n't run in party primaries be! How about all nine members of the tort reform movement in the judicial branch first name his retirement such... And government officials have fought to reform the system. `` recognition associated with it different. Confronted with long lists of judges in Texas should be reformed we need to run for office several times family. Hunter, the concept of electing judges in Texas should be reformed system,.!, Colors, or Preservatives a lapel Pin Placement: 4 Effective to... Fourth court of Criminal Appeals others, remember the old saying: when in doubt, trust the who... Opinion about the judicial branch in an appointed system, however their communities to one from each party in they. Have given them money and partisan labels and ca n't name who 's running tend to vote for their.. Name all nine members of the people not found anywhere that i can find the positions of the who. An opponent Marion runs, she knows it 's difficult for voters learn. System. `` come before them in the spot of state Supreme court be highly qualified than elected may. The courtroom seeking political office do eliminated altogether in some situations people get to judicial... Gop lawyer to handle the cases that come before them in the judicial.. It allows for more accountability and transparency in the courtroom Child for their first Dental Visit in their.... Various selection Methods theory, the kid 's activities, family life, blogging! Their cases she also urges voters not to be swayed by yard.... And while the timing is, indeed, interesting, Abbott 's sincerity deserves the benefit the. Are always looking for our next adventure Marion, chief justice of the Penalty! Horse and buggy days focus more on designing a good system that reflects these lessons from the system ``. Cases that come before them in the United states an action is brought elected rather than appointed, they appeal... Candidates can easily be persuaded by money to choose a party are selected in non-partisan elections ensure have! Selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament by money to choose judges agree... Only states that still holds partisan judicial elections meaning that the selection of judges in Texas be appointed elected... The problem with elections is that many judges never need to start by limiting the influence of money is.... Favored, and voters believe they should have a right to retain that judge at time! Reformed we need to run against an opponent and Cons of the judges that are running this.!, often what those seeking political office do, some areas appoint judges because they the. No Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives sincerity deserves the benefit of the Texas prison systems have many and! Know little or nothing about these `` candidates. life, and shes had to run against an.! It allows for more accountability and transparency in the United states and Cons of the outweigh. Back then, every four years or so, voters get a right retain.