KP Week-End II (2/20/2010): Justice 4 Sale
The changing face of Justice in America continues to concern me. I was glad to see that I was not alone. I recently reviewed comments by Justice Kennedy and Justice Bryer of the U.S. Supreme Court about the increased politicized nature of the Judiciary at the State Level. It has also been so at the Federal Level especially during the Sotomayor Nomination that I wrote about in KP's sister site, Outsider Views.
Many States in the United States have elected to subject judges to a "confirmation" vote by the voters. For many states, this has been routine and judges have ended up serving for years honorably. But, I cringe at the prospect of a judge fundraising to stay in office. I realize that when someone wears the black robe, they should not stop being "human". But, by the same token, the idea of somehow judging someone that has more money and has contributed more to a campaign bothers me. I continue to be hopeful because the rules in place insure that a measure of equality and justice is maintained.
Those who believe in Justice must insure that Justice is never compromised. The intergrity of it must be protected at all costs. However, i f two senior Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court raise concerns, those of us who write and think about such issues must be vigiliant.
Many States in the United States have elected to subject judges to a "confirmation" vote by the voters. For many states, this has been routine and judges have ended up serving for years honorably. But, I cringe at the prospect of a judge fundraising to stay in office. I realize that when someone wears the black robe, they should not stop being "human". But, by the same token, the idea of somehow judging someone that has more money and has contributed more to a campaign bothers me. I continue to be hopeful because the rules in place insure that a measure of equality and justice is maintained.
Those who believe in Justice must insure that Justice is never compromised. The intergrity of it must be protected at all costs. However, i f two senior Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court raise concerns, those of us who write and think about such issues must be vigiliant.
Mike Pouraryan
