Litigation

Nevada Lawmakers Debate Ending Judicial Elections

By Lissette Villarruel

Nevada is currently considering legislation that would end judicial elections and implement an appointment system, although it faces some opposition, according to an article in the Reno Gazette Journal.

Saying that it is “demeaning and degrading” to force judges to collect campaign donations from those who appear before them in court, State Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio urged the Judiciary Committee to amend the Nevada Constitution to establish a system of appointing judges, who would then face periodic retention elections. 

The proposed amendment faces opposition. The article quoted John Wagner of the Independent American Party of Nevada, who said the current judicial election system is effective and that citizens should maintain their right to elect.   Janine Hansen of Nevada Eagle Forum said the judicial selection commission that the resolution would create ??is a special-interest group. That?s precisely what it will be.??

Although the joint resolution was passed in 2007, it must be approved again before it can face a public vote in 2010.

Full post as published by The Gavel on February 26, 2009 (boomark / email).