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Letters: Merits of merit selection
In response to the opinion piece about Merit Selection by Temple Law Professor Marina Angel ("Merit Selection Means Stealing My Vote"): The process of choosing judges has been one of considerable controversy and debate, as judges have become enmeshed in the political mill. Because of the need for a fair and impartial justice system, many citizens are concerned about the undue pressures judges face from political parties and their leaders.
The League of Women Voters of Philadelphia supports an efficient unified court system and a responsible, ethical judiciary that is free from political influence. The League has supported merit selection proposals in every session of the Legislature, believing that such a process will help remove judges from partisan politics. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania's position on merit selection of judges was reached by consensus of its members in 1948. We sincerely hope that this issue's time has finally arrived in Pennsylvania so that we can eliminate the partisan election. The present system gives at least the appearance that justice might be compromised by political or financial conflict of interest.
Merit selection advocates believe that judges should be chosen based upon their qualifications rather than their political connections and that in doing so judges are freed from political influence and thus promotes a fair and impartial judiciary. In addition, merit selection allows for the removal of judges who are not living up to their responsibilities through a process called retention elections, whereby judges must receive a majority of approval votes. Merit selection also increases representation of women and minority judges. LWV Philadelphia continues to support passage of a merit selection bill and is active in a large and growing coalition that favors the change.
Melissa R. Hunsberger
League of Women Voters
Philadelphia
