John Oliver explores America's curious, dangerous habit of electing judges

John Oliver has some thoughts on America&#039;s elected judges

(Image credit: Last Week Tonight)

published 24 February 2015

Alabama's chief justice, Roy Moore, has been in the news, and John Oliver used Moore's judicial hijinks as an entry point to examine America's unique system of electing state judges. "The problem with an elected judiciary is sometimes the right decision is neither easy nor popular," he explained on Sunday night's Last Week Tonight. "And yet, campaigns force judges to look over their shoulder on every ruling."

Oliver showed some doozies of judicial campaign ads, but pointed out other problems with electing judges as well. His examples are kind of jaw-dropping, and, of course, he makes the dry subject entertaining — in between his serious point. "When you have a system where judges are serenaded with banjos, shake down lawyers for money, compare themselves to prostitutes, and live in constant fear of tractors, you have a problem," Oliver concluded — you have to watch to get the references. "Because faith in a strong, independent judiciary is essential for a civilized society. Without it, we're settling disputes either in Thunderdomes of via the Purge." Good points, good laughs. Watch below. —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.