Judicial elections across the country are increasingly becoming expensive campaigns into which special-interest money flows without end. As a result of a Supreme Court case in 2005, Minnesota’s historically fair and impartial courts could soon be up for sale.
In March of last year, a citizens’ commission led by former Governor Al Quie recommended that the Minnesota Constitution be amended to ensure a fair, impartial and accountable judicial system in the future. This proposal focuses the selection, appointment, evaluation, and election process on a judge’s qualifications and performance, rather than political factors.
Nearly all of us have contact with Minnesota’s court system at some point in our lives. It may be a traffic ticket, a business dispute, a divorce or child support issue, or a disagreement with an employer that leads us to the courthouse door. Regardless of the reason, we all desire an impartial and neutral judge who is free to make a decision based on the law and facts of the case.
Minnesota has a long tradition of high-quality judges and impartial courts. We do not want a judge making decisions affecting the lives of Minnesotans based on the desires of special interests, political parties, or the judge’s campaign contributors.
