Why do we elect judges? It's a matter of public accountability
Published: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 5:00 AM Guest Columnist By
Neal C. Lemery  In Oregon, we elect the circuit judges and
justices of the peace in our counties, well as judges of the
Oregon Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Why is that?
When a judge resigns or dies in office, vacancies in judgeships
are first appointed to the bench by the governor. Yet, each
Oregon state judge must face the voters, and to earn the right
to wear the robe.  Judges aren't identified by political party
and serve six-year terms. Their salaries can't be cut by
politicians, giving them more independence from the political
process.  Oregon is one of 40 states that trust the voters to
elect their judges. We've always done that in Oregon, and in
Washington, too.  As the interpreters of the law, and the
arbitrators of our society's most controversial issues, judges
interpret and apply the law, and exercise a great deal of
discretion. Hopefully, the law allows judges to