Wisconsin's hotly contested Supreme Court election is nearing a conclusion, as county officials wrap up a review of the ballots. The April 5 vote between Republican David Prosser and Democrat JoAnne Kloppenburg took on national significance, as the outcome will determine whether conservatives or liberals hold the majority when the court rules on Gov. Scott Walker's (R-Wis.) bid to restrict the rights of labor unions. But the race's partisan nature — and the $3.5 million spent by outside groups — has some wondering if judicial elections are poisoning our courts with politics. Thirty-nine states elect at least some of their judges. Should they reconsider?
Justice is being skewed by political bias: "Something disturbing is happening in American courts," says The Charlotte Observer in an editorial. Judicial nominees in Wisconsin, Iowa, and elsewhere are being targeted by "political partisans and religious pressure groups." That's wrong. We shouldn't pick judges based on their beliefs on abortion or religion or politics — what matters is that they know the law and apply it impartially.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.