Litigation

Ohio Editorial, on Renewing Confidence in the Courts

By Peter Hardin

In an editorial, the Akron Beacon Journal appeared to side with state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moyer after three colleagues on the high bench disagreed with his proposal for merit selection of state justices (see Gavel Grab.)

The editorial was entitled “Merit of the argument.” It noted that under the proposal, a commission recommending names of judicial candidates to the governor would be bipartisan. The editorial recapped the opposing trio’s concerns, then wrapped up with Justice Moyer’s response:

“Moyer correctly countered that it is hard to find an elected judge anywhere who criticizes how he or she got to the bench. He added that most voters believe campaign contributions influence decisions.

“To be sure, the composition of a merit selection panel is important. The overriding goal is to break the influence of big money in judicial campaigns, helping to restore public confidence in the courts.”

You can learn more about the debate in Ohio over a proposal for judicial appointment and retention from Gavel Grab.

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 05, 2010 (boomark / email).