Question

is justice for sale ? How should Texas judges get their job?

Answer 1

The justice system in Texas has been scrutinized for over a decade since a major television expose probed the influence of campaign money on judicial decision-making. Now, with Texas Governor George W. Bush running strong for president, everything about the state, including its courts, is being examined. The Governor has been unequivocal in his support of judicial elections as the way to select judges in Texas, but others in the state--including many who are intimately involved or high-placed in the system--are searching for alternatives. (Note: Texas is one of three states whose judicial election process was examined in FRONTLINE's.

Judges should be independent and should not have to run for election. We have a code ofethics and are limited by what we can and can't say. We can't make promises and can't prejudge a case, often what those seeking political office do. Additionally, who are we most likely to raise money from? The lawyers who appear before us. Not a good practice.Running for election takes time away from doing what we are being paid to do - be fair and impartial judges, rule on cases in a timely manner, and not be swayed by public opinion - inessence be an independent judiciary.