10 Criteria for Thoughtful Selection of Judges


The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Commission uses the following points when evaluating judicial candidates. Voters may also use these points as their guide.

A candidate for judicial office should have:

  1. Legal ability sufficient to have earned the respect of lawyers and members of the bench
  2. Trial or other comparable experience that ensures knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and courtroom procedures
  3. A record and reputation for excellent character and integrity
  4. Financial responsibility
  5. Judicial temperament
  6. Mental and physical capacity sufficient to discharge fully the duties of judicial office
  7. A record of community involvement
  8. Administrative ability
  9. Devotion to improvement of the quality of justice
  10. Demonstrated sound judgment in one’s professional life