Missoula County opposes HB 342: Revise judicial election laws, that went before the House Judiciary Committee this morning. HB 342 would require District Court and Supreme Court Judges to be elected based on political party. The fundamental tenant of the judiciary is the idea that all are entitled to a fair and impartial trial as embodied in statues of lady justice and her blindfold. HB 342 attempts to rip this blindfold off by requiring judges to disclose their political affiliation. This revelation has the potential to create claims of bias and animus in a system that should be seen as separate from the political. Will defendants who are heard by a jurist of the opposing political party be allowed redress on the potential for political bias? Will revealing political party reveal predisposition to rulings in some manner and thereby taint the judicial process? HB 342 is nothing more than a veiled attempt to create a litmus test for judges.
Missoula County opposes HB 342: Revise judicial election laws, up for a second reading on the House floor this afternoon. HB 342 would require District Court and Supreme Court Judges to be elected based on political party. The fundamental tenant of the judiciary is the idea that all are entitled to a fair and impartial trial as embodied in statues of lady justice and her blindfold. HB 342 attempts to rip this blindfold off by requiring judges to disclose their political affiliation. This revelation has the potential to create claims of bias and animus in a system that should be seen as separate from the political. Will defendants who are heard by a jurist of the opposing political party be allowed redress on the potential for political bias? Will revealing political party reveal predisposition to rulings in some manner and thereby taint the judicial process? HB 342 is nothing more than a veiled attempt to create a litmus test for judges.
Representatives France and Marler,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes HB 342: Revise judicial election laws, that went before the House Judiciary Committee this morning. HB 342 would require District Court and Supreme Court Judges to be elected based on political party. The fundamental tenant of the judiciary is the idea that all are entitled to a fair and impartial trial as embodied in statues of lady justice and her blindfold. HB 342 attempts to rip this blindfold off by requiring judges to disclose their political affiliation. This revelation has the potential to create claims of bias and animus in a system that should be seen as separate from the political. Will defendants who are heard by a jurist of the opposing political party be allowed redress on the potential for political bias? Will revealing political party reveal predisposition to rulings in some manner and thereby taint the judicial process? HB 342 is nothing more than a veiled attempt to create a litmus test for judges.
Please oppose HB 342.
Representatives,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes HB 342: Revise judicial election laws, up for a second reading on the House floor this afternoon. HB 342 would require District Court and Supreme Court Judges to be elected based on political party. The fundamental tenant of the judiciary is the idea that all are entitled to a fair and impartial trial as embodied in statues of lady justice and her blindfold. HB 342 attempts to rip this blindfold off by requiring judges to disclose their political affiliation. This revelation has the potential to create claims of bias and animus in a system that should be seen as separate from the political. Will defendants who are heard by a jurist of the opposing political party be allowed redress on the potential for political bias? Will revealing political party reveal predisposition to rulings in some manner and thereby taint the judicial process? HB 342 is nothing more than a veiled attempt to create a litmus test for judges.
Please oppose HB 342.