You've touched onto something I've raised before, Brutus--we really have no way to do that now.
Occasionally, if it's an appointed judge, a little online research can show who nominated and backed him, but even that doesn't give you his record without extensive research--and just because he was nominated by a Repub doesn't tell you how he will rule, case in point David Souter.
Ditto on elected judges--I almost never vote for one during elections because I have no idea what he stands for. Sometimes one can guess from his backers by noting their political leanings, but you can never really tell.
I would love to see a "consumer reports"/"Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" of sorts for judges, that rates them on conservative (Constitutional constructionist)/libertarian principles. Such a project would need to be massive though, and I don't think you could pull it off without a considerable investment for research staff and other costs.
Just a thought, but how about a ratemyjudge.com site. I am sure it would be a keeper.
ReplyDeleteYou've touched onto something I've raised before, Brutus--we really have no way to do that now.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally, if it's an appointed judge, a little online research can show who nominated and backed him, but even that doesn't give you his record without extensive research--and just because he was nominated by a Repub doesn't tell you how he will rule, case in point David Souter.
Ditto on elected judges--I almost never vote for one during elections because I have no idea what he stands for. Sometimes one can guess from his backers by noting their political leanings, but you can never really tell.
I would love to see a "consumer reports"/"Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" of sorts for judges, that rates them on conservative (Constitutional constructionist)/libertarian principles. Such a project would need to be massive though, and I don't think you could pull it off without a considerable investment for research staff and other costs.
David, That's a very "market anarchist" sort of idea. I like it.
ReplyDelete