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