4 ms·
Many, many judges are elected, and like with any elected office, there is no shortage of people ready to vote in absolutely despicable/incompetent/despicable an
by vkou 3y ago
Many, many judges are elected, and like with any elected office, there is no shortage of people ready to vote in absolutely despicable/incompetent/despicable and incompetent candidates.
Firing someone who was elected is also incredibly difficult.
In West Virginia, the qualifications to become a county Magistrate Judge (Empowering you to issue arrest and search warrants, find people guilty of misdemeanors, conduct preliminary examinations in felony cases, and preside over small claims court)... Are a high school diploma.
In fact, it's illegal in that state to require magistrates to have a law degree.
This particular judge was a family court judge - one step up the food chain - which, at least requires them to be a lawyer...
- lazide 3y agoMany judges are appointed (like all federal judges, and many state ones).
- andylynch 3y agoIn England you can volunteer as a magistrate for the lower courts. Training provided, no prior legal experience necessary. Legal advisers in the court; serious (indictable) offences get referred up to an appointed judge. If you’re a juror and say you found the experience worthwhile the users will encourage you to sign up.
- qingcharles 3y agoHuh. I'm even surprised you need a high school diploma. As you say, a lot of jurisdictions do not require any legal training, which is total insanity. Though, in my experience, most state court judges do not apply the law very often to causes in front of the court, they mostly just apply emotion.