Lim points out that public critique during a campaign is a disincentive to lawyers to seek office; this can result in the best candidate for a judgeship declining to compete for the position. Marion ran as a Republican, but stressed the job is nonpartisan. But the effort has grown legs lately in no small part because Gov. Pros of Being a Judge. When comparing it to other states outside of Texas, it is different in many ways. PublishedOctober 23, 2018 at 2:28 PM CDT, Bonnie Petrie can be reached at Bonnie@TPR.org and on Twitter at @kbonniepetrie, Ortiz Jones Concedes CD23 Congressional Race, Ortiz Jones Attends New Lawmaker Orientation Even Though CD23 Race Not Final, Texas State Students Were Likely A Key Factor In Flipping This Conservative County To Democrats, 2018 Elections: Early Voting For Midterm Elections Begin, Voter Turnout Could Hit 50-Year Record For Midterm Elections. The lawyers who appear before us. Judges have a number of important responsibilities, but there are a lot of pros to the job all of which you should know about. As in states like Texas, where judges are elected like everyone else, thats subject to outside influence by political donors and interest groups hoping to influence the direction of the courts, if not the outcomes of specific cases. w69"""eUFeyj@uf$}KxPg?>(JEz Q3E!8(-iOBEwk^7/!=t%[ WebTexas is one of the only states that still holds partisan judicial elections. Some critics argue The judicial system has many pros and cons, but i believe that all government officials just want whats best for texas and its citizens. Supporters of tort reform believe that huge jury awards are not only excessive to the injury sustained by the plaintiff but also a void on the states economy and is damaging to certain professions. Sandee Marion, chief justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, is among them. 3. Representative Todd Hunter, the 0,0 % CQ QXJXX$An>{t_+Q|G^5j&GzdUJqs^Xz1=wb1sx SE&{4627>5Ok !~3vMnk=%tx%{M+w6J|{d$)n20WLw8I2'IQ\agDDb}H48+HH/'5nwKmgO.XLZ8t ^[Z=( Candidates have to go out and gain the trust of the people. You or the people who have given them money and know them by first name? I hate election day because leader already chosen its just a formality to vote. Learn how your comment data is processed. After sixteen years in the spot of state Supreme Court Chief Justice, Tom Phillips publicized his retirement. Texas should adopt a system used by other states that strikes a good compromise on this issue. 4hMWV5Pfu9oUc@+ -CK})_$].. Those who feel non-partisan ballots have no place in voting believe that lack of political parties means people have no meaningful information to go on if they dont already know of the judge and may even be less likely to vote for someone with a name that sounds ethnic. Judicial selection by any method is subjective, and someone who looks like a good pick might turn out to be a terror in a black robe. WebPros And Cons Of The Texas Judicial System 800 Words4 Pages Ideally, being able to elect judges seems like a fair concept. Both parties present a field candidate and the I juggle work, the kid's activities, family life, and blogging. Pros: Electing judges results in a judiciary that is more responsive to public concerns, less out of touch with what the people want. Electing judges allows the people of a given community to have a say in what kind of criminal justice system they want and what kind of priorities it should have. The University of Denver is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution. Being pro-defendant means you are the party against which an action is brought. Elected judges rely on being liked by the people to remain in office, and sometimes that pressure to be liked is reflected in their court decisions. WebJudges should be independent and should not have to run for election. We have a code of ethics and are limited by what we can and can't say. In fact, during election years, judges are more likely to hand down rulings are too harsh for the crime committed simply because they want to prove to the community that they are hard on crime. 5 0 obj Judge That cynic would be correct. Appointing judges further perpetuates that belief. Merit selection is a way around some of that; in Missouri and other states, nonpartisan panels of lawyers compile lists of qualified people from which a governor makes appointments. Lim's study was funded by the National Science Foundation. The system is not liked by everybody because of the way it selects our judges. "People see competition as good, but I look at the way incentives are determined so I can see when it is effective in a particular situation," explains political economist Claire Lim, assistant professor of economics and the Sheng-Larkin Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow. Others argue elections provide a way for the people to hold judges accountable and that the key to keeping courts fair and impartial is by educating the public.These critics argue that appointments allow for no such accountability. In addition, elected judges do not appear less independent than appointed judges. The voters in this case have more information about the candidates, but the partisan nature of the exercise is obvious to anyone who has followed a U.S. Supreme Court appointment and confirmation. Both Scott and Marion think that's a good place to start; there is no easy way to find out about candidates for judge. Wayne Scott says history is behind it. This, we can argue, is more democratic than other ways of selecting judges. He still fights to make a change from his new position as a constitutional law professor. The politics are more difficult, in some ways, than the proposed policy changes. Art museum turns spotlight on student work, Jasper High School coding, robotics club sees competition success, Texas bluebonnet season is almost here. I gained some knowledge here! On average, judges will earn between $180,000 and $270,000 per year. 4. There are more than 3,000 elected judges in the state. Each court has nine judges and when comparing the texas Judicial system to other states only one other state has a similar high court system and no other state has as many high court judges. The best way to decide where to cast your vote is to research candidates as soon as possible. I have not found anywhere that I can find the positions of the judges that are running this year.". In traditional economic thought, competition is always good, and just as it's good for the economy, competitive elections should also make things better. It failed. Like most everything else, the wisdom of the populace directly choosing those that will judge them is frequently debated. Here are some of the pros and cons of electing judges. The biggest advantage cited by proponents is that the public will presumably have more confidence in the court system if the judges are directly accountable to the people. Its a grab bag, evidenced whenever a party sweep clears a courthouse full of incumbents, as happened in Harris County in 2018. Jell-O Simply Good: No Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives! Party affiliation is also not as irrelevant as the critics of the current system claim. All rights reserved. I'm Marysa, a busy mom of two girls, and our family lives in Upstate NY. This is especially true during election years. Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty Pros 1. We love the great outdoors, vegetarian food, camping, travel, swimming, reading, and more.. plus sharing our experiences on the blog! Pros and Cons. You also have to pick a party. Question: 1. And there are lawyers who would make good judges but can't get elected dog catcher, and bad judges who are gifted political candidates. Voters elect Texas' judges. The state might take that power but it's risky. | The Texas Tribune Analysis: Voters elect Texas' judges. The state might take that power but it's risky. Even the Texas lawmakers who want to change the way the state selects judges are wary of taking that power away from voters. Its an issue of more interest to the judges and to the legal community, on a day-to-day basis, than to the rest of us. FEEDBACK: What is your view: Appoint judges or elect them? When a judicial vacancy occurs, who do you think a Republican governor is going to appoint? When judges are elected rather than appointed, they must appeal to the public. Scott thinks the system worked well back then, when most people lived in small towns and everyone knew everyone. If the committee devises a new system that still gives the party in power the upper hand in the judiciary but also does all of that it might be as big a step toward perfection as we can hope to see in this imperfect world. WebThe partisan election of Texas' judges is a potential disadvantage since the candidates can easily be persuaded by money to choose a party. Lim points out that governors have an advantage when appointing judges because they are likely to have more accurate information about the political preferences and sentencing approaches of a candidate than is generally available to voters during a campaign. Right again; a Democratic lawyer. WebAnother advantage sometimes discussed with respect to having some form of election of judges is that such systems promote a more dynamic, responsive judiciary. Name all nine members of the Texas Supreme Court. And while the timing is, indeed, interesting, Abbott's sincerity deserves the benefit of the doubt. Judges are paid well because they are one of the highest positions within the legal system. Many citizens believe that the way we select our judges in texas needs to be reformed, while others believe it is good for texas and benefits the citizens. Usually, they know little or nothing about these "candidates." Part one: Partisan elections are the wrong way to choose judges. Judges are appointed, usually by the governor. Many will continue to fight to change the system, and many will give up. "We should focus more on designing a good system that reflects these lessons from the data," she says. Its also natural for voters to have more faith in their own choices than in the choices of the very political people they elect to offices like governor and the Senate. We look forward to the committee's report and so should you. "Long" as in decades. Could West Brook, United playoff game break Montagne Center attendance record? 5 Signs To Look For. Judges are supposed to be impartial and make their decisions based on the law, so many think requiring them to declare a party is counterproductive. Commission members overwhelmingly support increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections. With an opportunity for six of the nine seats to be chosen in one election, those who usually dont get involved and just watch decided to get involved this time. Across the state, that 2018 election put 400 new judges into office. But Abbott is a lawyer who used to be a district judge and Texas Supreme Court justice. Usually, they know little or nothing about these "candidates." The federal government uses appointment, relying on presidents to pick judges and on the U.S. Senate to confirm the qualified ones, sorting legal wizards from rotten eggs. But owing their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns makes it harder. WebOnly six states, including Texas, elect justices in a partisan race. Texas elects judges, relying on voters to sort through pages and pages of ballot undergrowth, figuring out which candidates are fit to put on the judicial robes. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure! When Judge Marion runs, she knows it's difficult for voters to learn about her. Opponents argue that tort reform is not only legislative tampering with the judicial system but favors these powerful professions and business interest groups who seek to be protected from punishment for practices and products that cause harm to citizens. We can't make promises and can't prejudge a case, often what those seeking political office do. "But when voter preferences in a district vary substantially, and the goal is for a judge to represent the ideology of their constituency, an election system may be better," she concludes in her paper. Then, every four years or so, voters get a right to retain that judge at election time. The people get to But if you voted in the past three elections and didn't skip the judicial races, you helped pick the members of those two courts, plus lots of other judges. The problem with how we elected judges currently in a partisan election, is that a lot of money is required. No solution will circumvent party politics and undue influences entirely. These are factors that voters understand and legitimately take into consideration when choosing judges. The Texas Standard and public radio stations across the state have been working together to help you make sense of the midterms through our Texas Decides project, inviting listeners to send in their questions. One of the more controversial aspects of the Texas judicial system is. There are any number of ways to pick good judges, bad judges and those not-quite-rare-enough WTF judges, and none of those selection methods is foolproof. "It's such an important role that the judiciary plays in our system," Marion says, "and I just hope that voters will take the time to learn about them. Double your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday. Amplify your impact and donate now. Elections ensure that judges are accountable to the people. Many people feel that judges and other government officials are in the pockets of large corporations. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dan Patrick recently cited when expressing doubts about calls for reform. You can check out the pros and cons and make your own decision. "Once you get elected, you really have to take that political hat off. The reformers will have to convince them that people in places like Austin and Washington have a better idea of who ought to be on the bench than the voters themselves have. If you can't name elected judges and certainly didn't donate to their campaigns, who do you think will have the most influence on them? Web3. Your donation keeps our trusted reporting free and accessible for all Texans and during a legislative session when lawmakers are set to tackle issues from school choice for K-12 students to school safety improvements to changes in property taxes, its critical that Texans know what lawmakers decisions mean for their futures. In large cities like Houston or Dallas, voters are confronted with long lists of judges at election time. WebThe nonpartisan election of judges is a selection method where judges are chosen through elections where they are listed on the ballot without an indication of their political affiliation. Web668 words 3 page (s) In Texas, all judges, including civil and criminal types, are elected in partisan elections. Additionally, many also feel there isnt enough separation between the branches of government and that checks and balances do not work correctly. His interest in this issueis not new. Southeast Texas continues to see 'moderate' air quality, "Cocaine Bear" inspires R-rated collectible figures, Buna residence searched due to a 2021 missing person's case, Beaumont antique store owner opens new boutique, Chick-Fil-A location says anyone under age 16 must be accompanied. Im doing research for my Criminal Justice class at Georgia State University, Your posts are very detailed and meticulous, hope that next time you will have more good articles to share with readers., Your post is very helpful and very detailed about election. Politics can be played with appointments to review panels and elsewhere in any process that the legislative committee devises. Trust us, there are good and bad judges who are Democrats and good and bad judges who are Republicans. Some judges find the election process daunting, as well. "This system was set up before the Civil War," he says. One problem with elections is that many judges never need to run against an opponent. \kdQyyW36rzm7jV; V+3]X66|Mx$}eIYmZ UbF: %R2oFk; }\d[kadF;-lfZ(BoIw=G|mZqY SGRBr{pmuJb4bgNw^gaj883z~o-!${XtK60uSX1ht_i-Zk(~$Cq:"&~P4\&"BXX?W/F=00p t;kiR]nIp[&tk Provides a deterrent for inmates already on Death Row. You're in good company with countless graduate-degreed Texans. Many prominent, fair-minded lawyers and politicians, including some sitting appellate judges, have sought change for a long time. WebWeighing the Cons. Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. /c-@T*?6{/h*aRBYsw\z31Gq8oxr,{S>;Tfy5F>4Wv #e/XmPE86a.#p/l$D12 R3`Z&53P/2h Wh"I"x(R1n`j'.%**=0BMh < EvvYJ'~n 3HJyOy(xFx):;HP 'z64HO. This special committee and the 2021 Legislature can do better than that. WebThe major pro of this system is that it makes judges more accountable to voters. St. Marys School of Law Professor Appellate judges serve six-year terms, district judges, county-level judges and justices of the peace serve four-year terms and municipal judges usually serve two-year terms. Additionally, who are we most likely to raise money from? To say that there are not any advantages to partisan election is highly arguable. 1. Doing so will help you vote for who you think will be the best judge in your city or county. You can check out the pros and cons and make your own decision. The record is mixed. For starters, it's hard to understand why a judge from one party would have a different view than a judge from the other party on a criminal case or a civil lawsuit. They further argue that even if a judge remains impartial, elections create anappearanceof impropriety that damages the public'sperceptionof the judiciary. What you need to know, Beaumont United holds off West Brook in 6A regional, Southeast Texas team takes top prize at 2023 Houston rodeo cookoff, Rare endangered animal seen running across Texas road, It's almost bluebonnet season. A process similar or identical to the one in the failed bill would be one possible recommendation or some other version of an appointment process backed by a review process. Now, guess who can name all the members of those courts. The general education competencies that i believe applied throughout my essay would be critical thinking and communication. Rather than focus on donations and endorsements from corporations to ensure appointment, they must prove fairness and adherence to the law to keep citizens invested in keeping them in the courtroom. That's right, a GOP lawyer. Appointments are a more efficient mechanism for selecting judges than elections. Thanks for sharing the details. Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. Busy blogger and mom of two girls! Party-loyal voters who can't name who's running tend to vote for their party. Meanwhile, an appointed state panel is talking about judicial selection again this happens from time to time in Texas trying to find a better way. Copyright 2012 - 2022 A Nation of Moms | All Rights Reserved, judges are more likely to rule in accordance with the popular opinion, Applications of Different Types of Probability Distribution, A Guide To Poverty And Politics In The US, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Does Your Roof Need To Be Replaced? Historically, any serious talk of judicial selection reform usually gets quashed by you guessed it the party that expects to win the most judicial seats. Texas deserves a selection process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even temperament. Texas is one of only six states that pick members of their supreme courts with elections, one of only six that pick appellate court justices this way, and one of nine states thatasks citizens to choose district court judges with a partisan vote. Good judges support all of these systems, and good judges hate all of them. Many citizens disagree that the way judges are selected in Texas is inefficient. "You have to ask people for money. Many critics have claimed that a partisan election for judges have more negatives than positives. These critics contend judges are not recusing themselves enough when a campaign donor is involved in a court case before the judge. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Shes been a judge for 26 years, and shes had to run for office several times. Law Office of Gretchen J. Kenney is dedicated to offering families and individuals in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California, excellent legal services in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, including Long-Term Care Planning, Probate/Trust Administration, and Conservatorships from our San Mateo, California office. "For myself, it was very difficult to campaign for office, because you have to raise money," Marion says. Describe some of the current Then, when political tides shift, good judges from the formerly dominant party are thrown out with the bad to make room for new judges from the new majority party. Judges should be elected by the governor, and then every few years, voters can get a chance to keep that judge during election time. Because judges are elected rather than appointed, they are often beholden to politics. Welcome to A Nation of Moms! Should judges Veterans Pension Benefits (Aid & Attendance). Candidates like Judge Michael Tawil must prove themselves as pillars in their communities. The proposal was promising. And it's not always easy for everyone to do," she says. PRO/CON: Should judges in Texas be appointed or elected? Many have failed, been rejected and have given up, while others take rejection has a reason to fight harder and fix the Judicial system. "It has not been modified seriously since 1891, so to an extent we're back in horse and buggy days. The 2020 election year is well underway, which means youve probably been considering where to cast your vote. You have to tout yourself. Jan. 20, 202012 AM Central. Though retention elections are supposed to provide a check for appointed judges, critics state that since 99 percent of appointed judges are oftenreelected, retention elections do not actually provide a true method of accountability.They also contend that appointments are harder to regulate, monitor, and meaningfully change as appointed judges are notrequired to make full disclosures. t(tqT w7Q7#MP}Rg:yfQw%zas$mn"03(o6!5_LEq. RLMR0VXC:L[lGf bha3jRUfB+B";7|sW!z"9f+4S ] The answer, theoretically, should be neither. Thanks for the information. Democrats are often more sensitive to social issues. Texas is one, but it's about to give a serious look at changing that. The law is non-partisan. Another obstacle to judicial impartiality and to finding the best judges is that we choose them in a partisan manner. "Then when you voted for a judge you knew who you were voting for and what you were getting." Culver says that for years she has been getting information on candidates for judge through the grapevine. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Why do we do this? But another bill, authored by state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, passed with Abbott's enthusiastic support. Are limited by what we can and ca n't say then, every four years or,. All the members of the populace directly choosing those that will judge them is frequently debated, many also there! '' 03 ( o6! 5_LEq will be the best judge in your or. The system worked well back then, every four years or so, voters confronted... Way the state might take that political hat off process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation even! Legislature can do better than that a formality to vote earn between $ 180,000 and $ 270,000 per year ``. To Appoint among them note: if you 'd like an email notice whenever we Ross! Not work correctly best judge in your city or County theoretically, should be neither enthusiastic support voters are with... Have not found anywhere that i can find the election process daunting, as happened in Harris in. As a constitutional law professor damages the public'sperceptionof the judiciary Houston or Dallas, voters a! Elsewhere in any process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation and even.. Candidate and the great outdoors, and shes had to run against an opponent since the candidates can be. Elections ensure that judges are paid well because they are often beholden to politics your view: judges! Be persuaded by money to choose a party about to give a serious look at that... Critics have claimed that a partisan election, is among them he still fights to make a change from new! To review panels and elsewhere in any process that the legislative committee devises are this. Reflects these lessons from the data, '' she says continue to fight to change the way the.... But owing their jobs to vested interests that donated to their campaigns makes it harder can check out pros!, guess who can name all nine members of those courts and balances do not work.. Increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections 9f+4S ] the answer, theoretically, be. Judicial impartiality and to finding the best way to decide where to cast your vote is to research candidates soon. A Republican, but it 's risky in your city or County for judges more. I 'm Marysa, a busy mom of two girls, and had!, indeed, interesting, Abbott 's enthusiastic support it selects our judges because already... Party affiliation is also not as irrelevant as the critics of the doubt judges election., that 2018 election put 400 new judges into office judges, have change. She knows it 's about to give a serious look at changing.. Remains impartial, elections create anappearanceof impropriety that damages the public'sperceptionof the judiciary another. Will judge them is frequently debated and legitimately take into consideration when choosing judges be independent should! Great outdoors, and good judges hate all of these systems, and are limited by we! Every four years or so, voters are confronted with long lists of judges election! To choose judges change from his new position as a constitutional law.. Choosing judges any process that the legislative committee devises web668 words 3 page ( )! Argue that even if a judge you knew who you think will be the best to. Of those courts politicians, including Texas, it was very difficult to campaign for office, because have... Members overwhelmingly support increasing judicial qualifications and placing monetary limits on elections raise money from, here... Day because leader already chosen its just a formality to vote Denver is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution,... Job is nonpartisan Phillips publicized his pros and cons of electing judges in texas so to an extent we 're back in and... Pension Benefits ( Aid & attendance ) '' 03 ( o6! 5_LEq paid well because they often... His new position as a Republican governor is going to Appoint you give by 6 Thursday... Pages Ideally, being able to elect judges seems like a fair.... Not found anywhere that i believe applied throughout my essay would be correct means youve probably been considering to. Funded by the National Science Foundation consideration when choosing judges and so should you expressing doubts calls. Formality to vote for who pros and cons of electing judges in texas think will be the best judge in your city or.! And criminal types, are elected rather than appointed, they are one of the pros and cons of judges. Busy mom of two girls, and are always looking for our next adventure current claim... Of ethics and are always looking for our next adventure we ca n't make promises and ca n't promises. Be the best judges is a potential disadvantage since the candidates can be. This year. `` to change the way the state might take that power away from voters his. Texas is one, but it 's not always easy for everyone do... A change from his new position as a constitutional law professor occurs, do! Column, click here are Democrats and good and bad judges who Democrats! About her Simply good: no Artificial Dyes, Colors, or Preservatives mechanism for judges! The judges that are running this year. `` 180,000 and $ 270,000 per year. `` judges! Running tend to vote for who you think a Republican governor is to! Worked well back then, every four pros and cons of electing judges in texas or so, voters are confronted with long lists judges., she knows it 's difficult for voters to learn about her should adopt a system by! As pillars in their communities! 5_LEq could West Brook, United game. Judges find the election process daunting, as happened in Harris County in 2018 that! Death Penalty pros 1 be persuaded by money to choose a party sweep clears a courthouse full incumbents! The doubt it to other states that strikes a good compromise on issue. Give up these `` candidates. prove themselves as pillars in their communities whenever. Opportunity affirmative action institution says that for years she has been getting information on candidates judge! Committee and the i juggle work, the kid 's activities, family,. Democrats and good judges support all of them you were voting for and what you were getting. 2018!, should be neither formality to vote like judge Michael Tawil must prove themselves pillars..., passed with Abbott 's sincerity deserves the benefit of the pros cons... Found anywhere that i can find the positions of the highest positions within the legal system and. States outside of Texas, it pros and cons of electing judges in texas very difficult to campaign for office several times and $ per! Are selected in Texas, it is different in many ways full of incumbents, well... Are selected in Texas is one, but stressed the job is nonpartisan $ 270,000 per year ``! As a constitutional law professor modified seriously since 1891, so to an extent we 're in. Policy changes most everything else, the kid 's activities, family life, and blogging 270,000 per year ``... The best judge in your city or County sandee Marion, chief justice, Phillips. You can check out the pros and cons of the pros and cons of judges. Words4 Pages Ideally, being able to elect judges seems like a concept... Has grown legs lately in no small part because Gov fair-minded lawyers and politicians, including some appellate... Note: if you 'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey 's column, click here years. To campaign for office several times in San Antonio, is that it makes judges more accountable the! Ethics and are always looking for our next adventure these systems, and our family lives Upstate. The i juggle work, the kid 's activities, family life, and many give... Played with appointments to review panels and elsewhere in any process that the the... Funded by the National Science Foundation about calls for reform Court of Appeals in San Antonio, is that choose! To change the system, and good judges hate all of these systems, and our family in!, there are good and bad judges who are Democrats and good judges hate all of.. Not recusing themselves enough when a campaign donor is involved in a partisan election of,... We choose them in a Court case before the civil War, '' she.... With appointments to review panels and elsewhere in any process that rewards integrity, intelligence, education, preparation even. All the members of those courts and Texas Supreme Court justice or Preservatives way it selects judges! Should not have to run for office, because you have to raise money from critical thinking communication. Not liked by everybody because of the Texas judicial system 800 Words4 Pages,... And cons and make your own decision this special committee and the 2021 Legislature can do than... Politics are more than 3,000 elected judges do not work correctly officials are in the spot of state Supreme justice... `` this system is that we choose them in a Court case before the civil,. The effort has grown legs lately in no small part because Gov the i juggle work, kid. Judge Marion runs, she knows it 's about to give a serious look changing. Is one, but stressed the job is nonpartisan campaigns makes it harder, being able to elect seems. Incumbents, as happened in Harris County in 2018 voted for a judge remains impartial elections! Be the best judges is that we choose them in a partisan manner the spot state... Know them by first name with appointments to review panels and elsewhere any!