The Selection of Judges in America

Paper Summary:

This paper outlines in brief, the process by which judges are selected in America and the relative strengths and weaknesses of this approach. As the paper makes clear, the American model is not perfect (no model is) but it at least offers democratic input while bolstering the legitimacy of the judiciary in the eyes of ordinary citizens. Finally, the American model encourages the legal education of its citizens.

From the Paper:

"No nation in the Western World takes greater pride in its commitment to freedom and to democracy than does America - and justly so. The following paper will examine one aspect of America's enduring commitment to freedom by assessing the manner by which it selects its magistrates - most notably, Supreme Court justices. In addition to offering a synopsis of the process, the paper will also briefly outline its strengths and weaknesses. As will soon become apparent, whatever the failings of the American system, it injects an element of accountability and responsiveness into the judiciary that is often sorely lacking elsewhere. To begin with, at the state level, nominees for state Supreme Court justices are selected by state party officials (Eaton, B1). This process is too often shrouded in secrecy, but the basic lineaments are open to view."

More papers on The Selection of Judges in America:

• Essay # 7073 : "The Visibility of Muslims in America"
• Term Paper # 567 : "A Discussion of the Importance of Place in America"
• Comparison Essay # 57545 : "U.S. and European Jury Systems"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: