In the case of judicial candidates, the challenge of finding information is ever more difficult because they do not run on the partisan slate. The League of Women Voters suggests voters consider the following when picking a judicial candidate:
Voters need to remember that judges are people whose role is to uphold the law, not to represent voters.
What to Look for in a Judge:
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Experience - demonstrated exposure to legal issues, and substantial and diverse experience with the justice system |
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Integrity - high moral character, honesty, industry and diligence |
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Professional Competence - intellect, knowledge of the law, writing and analytical ability, judgment, and courtroom and trial experience |
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Judicial Temperament - unbiased, courteous, open-minded, understanding, fair and committed to the rule of law
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Service - commitment to justice for all |
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Someone who is unbiased, courteous, open-minded, understanding, fair and committed to the rule of law is a person who reflects a “judicial temperament.” A judicial candidate’s personal opinions on issues are NOT what is important. Their commitment to the law, rather than to public opinion, is.
See League of Women Voters nonpartisan Voter Guides for more information about judicial candidates. The League of Women Voters of Michigan is grateful for support for its November 2006 Voter Guide, including the coverage of judicial races, from LaSalle Bank/ABN AMRO; Michigan Participation Project, a program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association; the League of Women Voters Education Fund; the Program on Constitutional and Legal Policy of the Open Society Institute; and members and friends of the League of Women Voters.
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