Litigation

McComish Case Threatens Fair Courts

By Peter Hardin

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday in a public finance election law case that poses a threat to fair courts. Justice at Stake is making resources available to spotlight the case, McComish v. Bennett, and to help journalists covering it.

“Public financing allows judges to talk to voters instead of donors, and protects the right of Americans to a fair day in court,” said Bert Brandenburg, JAS executive director, in a press release. JAS is a nonpartisan organization.

“It has broad, bipartisan support, both in the public and among judges who have been elected to the bench. McComish is important to the future of public financing, and to the future of courts that are seen as fair and impartial.”

Justice at Stake has set up an online resource page to help journalists covering McComish. That page includes a comprehensive roster of briefs, news stories on the case, and polling on court-related issues.

In addition, JAS leaders are available to discuss the case between now and the March 28 hearing at 10 a.m., and immediately afterward.

The McComish case does not refer specifically to judicial elections, but a ruling could affect all four states that have adopted public financing of appellate court elections. They are North Carolina, New Mexico, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Justice at Stake has filed an amicus brief in the case, which is available by clicking here.

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 23, 2011 (boomark / email).