Judge Selection Criteria
Judge selection criteria are the methods used to choose a judge. On the other hand, removal criteria those guidelines on how judges are ousted from their position. Different countries have different methods of judge selection and removal.
Virginia
In Virginia, state judges are selected through a process of legislative election, in which each judge is chosen by the Virginia General Assembly using votes. Hence, the candidate with the majority votes from the Senate and a combined house of delegates take the position. For instance, Cloe Powell was elected by Virginia General Assembly in 2011.
Alabama
In the state of Alabama, judges are selected via partisan election where the candidates are chosen from different political parties. On the ballot, candidates are listed, and their political party is also pointed out. Each candidate represents their political party. For example, Charles Malone was appointed Chief Justice in 2011.
California
In California, judges are elected using a gubernatorial appointment where the governor appoints the judge. However, the legislature has to confirm the selection. For example, Jerry Brown, the governor of California appointed Goodwin Liu as a judge in the Supreme Court and Bruce Smith in the fifth district Court of Appeal.
Removal Criteria of Judges
Removal criteria of judges involve investigation of complaints filed against the judge which could lead to impeachment. Virginia and Alabama states use a voting system to choose their judges. The responsibility of selection is not left to one person. Despite California relying on the governor to appoint a judge, the legislature has to confirm the appointment.
Selection Process of Federal Judge Nominee
The selection process of a federal judge nominee begins when a vacancy occurs, and the White House seeks the opinion of the state senator who proposes a candidate. A thorough investigation of the recommended candidate is conducted by the White House known as White House vetting. The investigation involves filling of questionnaires, interviews, medical examination, American Bar Association peer reviews and background checks done the FBI. The background check is referred to as a 'BI,' that entails details such as tax payment and criminal records. The candidate is then nominated by the president after the investigation is complete. The Senate Judiciary Committee then sends a letter to home senates to ask their approval on the nominee before moving forward with the nomination process.
After their approval, the committee holds a hearing in which the committee members ask the nominee questions. The confirmation process is done by voting where the Senate committee and the entire Senate vote for or against the nominee, which requires a majority of 60 votes for the process to continue. The process ends when the president of the United States signs the nominee commission, and the judge begins his lifetime appointment. The White House vetting and senatorial confirmations are very important for a judge to be selected. During the investigation, if unfavorable information is discovered concerning the candidate, they are disqualified, and the process begins again. Additionally, if the majority of the senates in a state do not approve of a candidate despite them having completed the vetting process, the nomination process begins again.
