Electing Independent Judges

By Jennifer K. Nelson

Voters need to closely examine the impact that political and financial endorsements have on judicial candidates.

While judicial offices are supposed to be non-partisan positions, and judges are ethically bound to avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety, the process of being elected can severely affect one's ability to become an independent judge.

Judges must be independent and decide cases fairly regardless of the politics involved in a particular case. Voters must ask "How can a judge be fair and impartial when they were elected through a process of soliciting money and endorsements from special interest groups?"

Especially in a small county such as ours, can a judge really forget that a particular political group distributed 10,000 fliers for them for free? Can an employee of a small county department refuse to sign an endorsement form for their supervisor without fear of reprisals? Can a candidate receive hundreds or even thousands of dollars in support from people who will later appear in their courtroom as litigants or attorneys and honestly say that it will not impact their decisions?

Just as I paid my own way through college and law school, I have chosen to support myself in my campaign for Superior Court Judge. While I am accepting small monetary contributions, I find greater value in offers of time and energy to distribute my message to the voters. And while I am honored to receive endorsements from organizations independent from the political machine and big money in El Dorado County, I must always keep in mind that a real victory would be one that allows me to keep my independence to decide each case on it's merits when elected Superior Court Judge.

I urge the voting public in El Dorado County to closely consider these issues when casting their votes on March 5. And take some time to investigate the sources of the financial and political support behind each candidate. Voters may be surprised what they learn when they look behind the political machine and big money in the quest for the best judicial candidates.