NCJ Number
93856
Date Published
Unknown
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Connecticut should change its method of judicial selection to ensure the systematic nomination of highly qualified candidates for judgeships.
Abstract
The Governor currently controls judicial selection. The Governor submits names of potential nominees for review to a committee of the Connecticut Bar Association and to an ad hoc judicial screening committee appointed by the Governor. The Governor is not bound to follow the recommendations of either committee. The general assembly must approve all appointments but does not exercise its veto power in practice. Although Connecticut has a generally competent judiciary, observers contend that political considerations play too significant a role in the selection process. Various organizations have been pressing for reform for over a decade. The Citizens Crime Commission believes that a system is needed which rests on the use of a judicial nominating panel which is proposed by the Governor and approved by the legislature. Panel members should serve 4-year terms. The panel should actively seek qualified individuals as potential judicial nominees. The deliberations and files of the panel should be exempt from the relevant State information acts so as to provide for confidentiality of the panel's proceedings. An amendment to the State constitution and appropriate enabling legislation would be required to adopt the system. The legislature should also pass a law stating general guidelines for procedures governing the panel's activities. Additional characteristics recommended for the changed system are listed.