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Judge disqualifies himself from lawsuit challenging ballot measure on judicial retention
A trial judge recused himself Tuesday from deciding the legality of a ballot measure that would give him and his colleagues lifetime appointments.
Groups challenge legislative ballot referrals
A group trying to oust two Supreme Court justices over their decision on abortion filed suit Friday to block a ballot measure that would nullify any votes to remove them and instead give them and other judges what could amount to lifetime appointments.
Critiquing judges’ decisions valid in merit selection
Arizona voters have a right to weigh in on the retention of judges based on the Merit selection system – and they should continue to have this right. And perhaps more importantly, they should have the right to exercise it however they see fit (and certainly without the narrow constraints suggested by a group of lawyers who regularly appear in front of these judges).
Merit Selection – a system worth preserving
In our system we go to the Legislature to rescind unpopular laws. We rely on judges to decide cases presented to them in a fair and impartial way, bringing all the learning they can to achieve a result required by judicial principles, not popular opinion.
Attorneys organize to defend judges
A group of veteran attorneys has organized to defend the process of how most judges in Arizona are selected and stand for reelection.
Politically targeted justices limited in defending themselves
At the state’s annual judicial conference last June, an ethics director, a performance review commissioner and a political consultant advised judges to prepare to form campaign committees in 2024.
Progressive group out to oust 2 state Supreme Court justices
Progress Arizona is launching a campaign to deny new terms to two of the state Supreme Court justices who voted earlier this month to allow the 1864 law on abortion to once again be enforced in Arizona.
Long list of judges can tax a voter’s attention
Mail-in voting has a little known advocate in Arizona — and for this group, it’s about giving voters time to finish the ballot. With nearly 80 judges up for retention, and as many as 40 in Maricopa County alone, the state commission tasked with evaluating all of them hopes their findings won’t be skipped or overlooked.
Gov. Ducey sticks to spirit of merit selection, shuns partisanship
Misleading or factually inaccurate attacks on merit selection undermine the public’s confidence in the judiciary. Ducey’s appointments have been the least partisan and the most diverse of any governor, Democrat or Republican.
Blue county adopts merit selection, gives Ducey final say on judges
This election cycle, Coconino County became the first Arizona county to voluntarily switch to a merit selection system for choosing judges.
Education advocates push for removal of 2 Supreme Court justices
Upset with a ruling that knocked a tax hike for education off the ballot, some education advocates are trying to get voters to turn one or two Supreme Court justices out of office in November.
Judge with bad rating quits rather than facing a vote
A Pima County Superior Court judge who received a failing grade from the commission that rates judges has decided to quit before voters could say whether he should stay on the bench.
