NCJ Number
17431
Date Published
1974
Length
188 pages
Annotation
ADVOCATES A SCHOOL FOR JUDICIAL TRAINING FROM WHICH GRADUATES WILL BEGIN AND ADVANCE IN JUDICIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT INDEPENDENT OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS AND POPULAR ELECTIONS ARE CONSIDERED INADEQUATE METHODS FOR SELECTING JUDGES. JUDICIAL CORRUPTION AND INCOMPETENCY ARE CITED FROM ACTUAL INCIDENTS, AND A WHOLLY NEW METHOD OF STAFFING THE JUDICIARY IS PROPOSED AS A REMEDY. A TWO-YEAR SCHOOL FOR TRAINING JUDGES SUBSEQUENT TO LAW SCHOOL IS RECOMMENDED. PLACEMENT WILL THEN DEPEND ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND WILL GENERALLY BEGIN AT THE SIMPLEST TRIAL LEVEL. VACANCIES IN THE HIGHER COURTS WOULD BE FILLED FROM THE LOWER RANKS ON A SENIORITY BASIS OR THROUGH THE DECISION OF A NON-POLITICAL LEGAL COMMITTEE. A CURRICULUM FOR THE JUDICIAL SCHOOL IS OUTLINED.