In a hearing yesterday before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Harrisburg, PaAJ President Mike Foley spoke against legislation calling for merit selection of judges in Pennsylvania. Saying that he was presenting the historical position of the Association on the political appointment of judges along with his personal views, Foley testified that such a system would undermine the populist surge going on currently with the increased number of registered voters. Foley said: “I respectfully suggest that there is a new wave of populism rising in America, and taking away Pennsylvania voters’ right to select their appellate judges runs contrary to the tide.”
Meanwhile, an article in today’s Legal Intelligencer reports that the proponents of two merit selection bills say they plan to reintroduce the legislation in the new session. Read more (Subscription required)