I met with State Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson yesterday. Shes a pleasant woman, but she makes it awfully difficult for someone looking to get specifics regarding judicial philosophies. Her answer, simply, is that she makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, based on the law and the facts.
Which is a good answer from a judge, I suppose.
Abrahamson at least has 33 years of history judging cases on Wisconsins Supreme Court. But how do you determine the philosophies and tendencies of a judicial candidate without that much experience?
For a voter, it can be incredibly difficult to make educated decisions about judicial candidates, particularly when theyre nonpartisan. And particularly, as is the case in the Green County Circuit Courts Second Branch election, when none of the candidates has judicial experience.
Attorneys Dan Gartzke and Tom Vale are on the April 7 ballot to be the first person to be judge in the newly created Branch 2. Our editorial board will be meeting with them next week, and later in the week making an endorsement in the race.
If you have questions for the candidates, Id like to hear from you in advance of those interviews. Feel free to submit a Reader Comment to this blog with your questions, and Ill give any I receive consideration.
Which is a good answer from a judge, I suppose.
Abrahamson at least has 33 years of history judging cases on Wisconsins Supreme Court. But how do you determine the philosophies and tendencies of a judicial candidate without that much experience?
For a voter, it can be incredibly difficult to make educated decisions about judicial candidates, particularly when theyre nonpartisan. And particularly, as is the case in the Green County Circuit Courts Second Branch election, when none of the candidates has judicial experience.
Attorneys Dan Gartzke and Tom Vale are on the April 7 ballot to be the first person to be judge in the newly created Branch 2. Our editorial board will be meeting with them next week, and later in the week making an endorsement in the race.
If you have questions for the candidates, Id like to hear from you in advance of those interviews. Feel free to submit a Reader Comment to this blog with your questions, and Ill give any I receive consideration.
