NCJ Number
122343
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (1988-1989) Pages: 284-307
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
A public scandal on the Missouri Supreme Court revealed its judges to be engaging in political intrigues over recruitment.
Abstract
Some judges showed injudicious behavior (such as public bickering, accusations, recriminations, or calls for impeachment). An opinion study at the height of the scandal shows two principal reactions: "cynical standpatters" see the court in a political light and nonetheless prefer the status quo, while the "disaffected" desire reform, but have little hope of achieving it. Analysis of these outlooks shows that the court faced only a partial crisis of legitimacy, which subsequent events suggest it has ridden out. 1 table, 24 notes, 1 appendix, 71 references. (Publisher abstract)