Appointment or election of Federal Judges

Introduction

The practice of electing judges is uniquely American. In most countries, an executive branch official or legislature appoints judges, who are often required to undergo rigorous exams to become eligible to sit on the bench. Judicial election campaigns have attracted increasing attention in recent years as they have become more contentious, more expensive and more heavily advertised.

Arguments in favor of Election of Judges

Supporters of holding judicial elections argue that popular elections hold judges accountable to the public. Advocates criticize the merit selection process for a lack of transparency, and say judicial appointments are vulnerable to ...