1. Fair Courts = justice
Introduce self and NAWJ Informed Voters Project.  

2. Warm Up Exercise When you walk into the courtroom and face the judge…
…what qualities or characteristics are most important to you?
This shorter Florida version, if properly paced, should take between twenty to thirty minutes to present. It is important not only to impart knowledge but to connect with the audience. So to the extent possible walk around the room and engage with your audience as opposed to standing behind a podium when you present. Begin by asking the audience:
No matter what the case, when you walk into the courtroom to face a judge, what qualities or characteristics are most important to you?
Receive responses from full audience.

3. Characteristics of Judges What characteristics are most important to you?
Knowledge of the law
Impartial/Unbiased
Fair minded
Attentive
Respectful/Understanding
Honesty/Integrity
Neutral
Professional demeanor
What would you add?
Then debrief by showing some of the top responses from prior audiences when asked to identify characteristics or considerations the public wants to see in judges.  What new qualities or characteristics were added by this group?
Highlight the qualifications of  judges in your state. Ex: Florida: Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.
SECTION 8. Eligibility.—No person shall be eligible for office of justice or judge of any court unless the person is an elector of the state and resides in the territorial jurisdiction of the court. No justice or judge shall serve after attaining the age of seventy years except upon temporary assignment or to complete a term, one-half of which has been served. No person is eligible for the office of justice of the supreme court or judge of a district court of appeal unless the person is, and has been for the preceding ten years, a member of the bar of Florida. No person is eligible for the office of circuit judge unless the person is, and has been for the preceding five years, a member of the bar of Florida. Unless otherwise provided by general law, no person is eligible for the office of county court judge unless the person is, and has been for the preceding five years, a member of the bar of Florida. Unless otherwise provided by general law, a person shall be eligible for election or appointment to the office of county court judge in a county having a population of 40,000 or less if the person is a member in good standing of the bar of Florida.History.—S.J.R. 52-D, 1971; adopted 1972; Am. H.J.R. 37, 1984; adopted 1984 (effective July 1, 1985); Am. proposed by Constitution Revision Commission, Revision No. 13, 1998, filed with the Secretary of State May 5, 1998; adopted 1998.

4. Why should you care about who the judges are in your community?
95%
of all cases in the United States are filed in state courts.
100
MILLION
cases coming before nearly 30,000 state court judges each year.
From the Brennan Center for Justice: “Approximately 95 percent of all cases in the United States are filed in state courts, with more than 100 million cases coming before nearly 30,000 state court judges each year. State court judges decide cases that touch on virtually every aspect of Americans’ lives, from school funding to the rights of the accused.”
Brennan Center for Justice

5. What kinds of issues do judges decide?
Judges make important decisions which may directly impact your life such as:
Deciding disputes over contracts and other business relationships;
Determining the length of a prison sentence;
Determining who is at fault in a serious auto accident;
Issuing restraining orders, approving search warrants, and ruling on motions to suppress evidence;
Determining when and how often you get to see your children following a divorce;
Highlight why the public should care about who the judges are in their communities.
Remind the audience of the following points:
Courts protect your rights.
Courts ensure the rule of law is upheld and that people are treated equally before the law.
Judges determine if laws are unconstitutional and decide all types of disputes.
Deciding inheritance disputes
And more….

6. The Role of the Judicial Branch
Resolve disputes through a legal process;
Interpret and apply the law;
Determine if a law is unconstitutional;
Protect the rights of the people.

7. Total power in one branch of the government
What if one entity was able to…
…make the law
…enforce the law
…and interpret and apply the law
Total power in one branch of the government
If all powers resided in one person or branch, how would this impact our government? Compare to other nations.

8. The Courts
The Judicial Branch was not designed to be a political or representative branch.
Background to presenter: Federalist 78

9. Prior to the American Revolution….
Before the American Revolution, courts in the colonies were seen as instruments of oppression. Juries could be locked up until they reached the "right" decision. Judges were seen as puppets of the king.

10. Historical Concerns Over Judicial Selection
“He (King George III) has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.”
Colonial
Era
Judges selected by the King.
Colonists outlined complaints in the Declaration of Independence citing how the King abused power and controlled the judiciary.
In fact, the Declaration of Independence criticized King George III for making "judges dependent upon his will alone for the tenure of their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries”. If you didn’t decide the way the king wanted then the king would just replace you with someone else who would. Who should judges be accountable to? The LAW. So our Constitution provided for judges at the federal level to be appointed for life terms to insulate them from politics and public opinion.

11. How are judges different from other elected officials?
Legislators make decisions based on the needs/desires of their constituents or voters, their own beliefs, or their political party’s agenda.
Judges must follow the law and should not be influenced by politics, special interest groups, money, public opinion or their own personal beliefs.
How are judges different from other elected officials?
Differentiate between judges and other elected officials such as legislators.

12. Selection of Federal Judges
The Federal Court System
Federal Judges
The U. S. Constitution states in Article III that federal judges are to be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Not elected
Serve life appointments
Discuss briefly the two parallel court systems in our country (state and federal). Highlight Federalist 78 (Alexander Hamilton) to provide reasons for life time tenure and independence of judges.

13. State constitutions or statutes set methods for selecting state judges
States utilize one of three models:
Elections
Either Partisan or Nonpartisan
Appointments
Different models in different states
Hybrid models – Merit Selection and Retention
Using Nominating Commissions to review candidates, followed by appointment and retention elections
While federal judges receive life appointments, this is not the case for most of our state court judges-and is not the case in Florida.
Make sure that participants understand now that we are talking about state court judges. Explain basic differences between state and federal courts.  Highlight high percentage of cases (and types of cases) that are heard in state courts (over 90%).  Refer to state and federal constitutions for information on each.  Highlight the three basic models of judicial selection for state level judges in this country. Ask the audience if they know the process that their state uses. Where would they look to find the answer? (Ex: Florida Constitution) Tip: Best way to learn about state and federal government is to read the state and federal constitutions.

14. Judicial Selection in the United States
Merit selection: Judicial nominating commissions have the potential to be a highly political process depending on how individuals are appointed to the commission.
An example from Florida (Merit selection and retention; 13 states, 14 including Florida, use a similar model): The Florida Supreme Court, appellate districts, and circuit Judicial Nominating Commissions consist of nine members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. Four members are appointed from separate lists of three nominees certified to the Governor by the Board of Governors of the Florida Bar. The Governor may reject a list of nominees and request that the Board certify a new list of three different nominees for that position. The Governor directly appoints the remaining five members. (from
 Some states, like Florida, vest the governor with exclusive authority to appoint nominating commissioners, while in others the state’s bar association or lawyers within the state select a portion of the commission. The state legislature or the judiciary may also have the power to appoint commissioners.

15. A Matter of Judicial Merit
What is Merit Selection?
What is Merit Retention?
A thorough review process for selecting judges based on their qualifications = based on merit.
A non-partisan panel of nine members (JNC) screens candidates and selects three to six names to recommend to the Governor based on the merit of the applicants.
The Governor selects one of the applicants for appointment.
Process for voters to decide if a judge should remain in office after they have been appointed through the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC)
Retention election held after first full year in office and then every six years.
Each judge has previously been evaluated and vetted through the JNC process.
Highlight merit selection and retention in Florida and the types of judges it applies to. Differentiate between trial court judges and appellate court judges. Discuss the merit selection process and how the system used to operate with 3 members selected by the Governor and three members selected by The Florida Bar and those six choosing three additional members. Compare to how the system works today. Highlight some of the questions asked of judges on the JNC application and the thoroughness of the process. For Florida we have some sample questions which are really interesting for the audience to review.
In research conducted by The Florida Bar, 90% of Floridians polled said they did not know what merit retention was and sometimes skip it on the ballot for that reason.

16. Merit Selection and Retention
The merit selection and retention process was designed to reduce outside influences on the judiciary. ✗
Political pressures
Personal opinions
Popular opinions
Corruption
Other influences
Add quote from Justice Pariente (Jacksonville speech)….”Merit retention was the result of a vision of having a judiciary that would not be subject to the whims of political change and public opinion polls

17. Once selected, how are judges accountable?
Oath of Office – sworn to support, protect and defend the US Constitution and Florida Constitution
The Appellate Process – judicial decisions can be appealed to a higher court for review (appellate review)
Judges must follow the Constitution (US and State), statutes/sentencing guidelines, case law
(precedent), rules (court and procedural), etc.
Discuss checks on judicial power and how judges at the state level are accountable in their positions. First judges are sworn to support, protect and defend the US and Florida Constitutions. Judicial decisions can be appealed to a higher court for review. Emphasize that judges must follow the law (precedent, sentencing guidelines, court rules, etc). Sometimes judges’ decisions on sentencing a person for a crime they committed depends on the laws passed by the legislature as well as what the State Attorney (executive branch) has formally charged a person with. Minimum mandatory sentencing example could be used here.

18. Once selected, how are judges accountable?
Code of Judicial Conduct – standards of ethical conduct for judges.
Reports of misconduct directed to the Judicial Qualifications Commission for investigation.
JQC is an independent body.
Judges can be disciplined (from reprimands to removal from bench) for violations of Code of Conduct.
Other means of judicial accountability: Judges must adhere to strict standards of ethical conduct. Misconduct and unethical behavior can lead to disciplinary procedures from reprimands to removal from the bench. You can view disciplinary proceedings on the Supreme Court web site. An independent body JQC investigates the complaints and recommends disciplinary procedures. Please emphasize that complaints are not filed because you disagree with a decision, there has to be misconduct or ethical violations for investigatory process to begin. See FLREA handout for information on how to access this information. (For details on disciplinary procedures, JQC, and other information. This site has a question and answer section which also provides information on impeachment. ) Judges can be removed through elections or retention votes as well as impeachment process.
Elections and Merit Selection and Retention

19. Visit http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/decisions/ethics/index.shtml
Code of Judicial Conduct for the State of Florida includes:
Preamble
Definitions
Canons
Canon 1. A Judge Shall Uphold the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary
Canon 2. A Judge Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in all of the Judge's Activities
Canon 3. A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently
Canon 4. A Judge Is Encouraged to Engage in Activities to Improve the Law, the Legal System, and the Administration of Justice
Canon 5. A Judge Shall Regulate Extrajudicial Activities to Minimize the Risk of Conflict With Judicial Duties
Canon 6. Fiscal Matters of a Judge Shall be Conducted in a Manner That Does Not Give the Appearance of Influence or Impropriety; etc.
Canon 7. A Judge or Candidate for Judicial Office Shall Refrain From Inappropriate Political Activity
Judges have a code of conduct which they must adhere to…..violations can lead to discipline or even removal from the bench. (Can input state specific code of judicial conduct here or use Florida’s as an example)
Visit

20. The public can review disciplinary actions and pending cases against judges who have violated the code of conduct.

21. What issues may impact fair and impartial courts today?
Political attempts to influence judicial selection processes
Infusion of special interest money into judicial elections
Pressure on judicial candidates to take positions on issues or promise specific rulings
Threats of removal from office or impeachment
for decisions in controversial cases
Reduction of state court funding
Labeling of judges
Historically we have seen the impact of external forces on the judiciary. Tension between the branches has existed throughout history. Mention FDR and court-packing, etc. Highlight briefly some of the issues listed that may be impacting our courts today (and some of this may be occurring in other states). Expand upon the topics listed above and have audience add other issues. Who should judges be accountable to --- politicians and special interest groups or the law and the Constitution.
Provide examples in Florida and other states.

22. The Danger of Labels Judicial decision making OR Judicial Activism
Fair and impartial OR
Conservative/
Liberal
Interpreting the law (determining what a statute means or says) OR
Legislating from the Bench/Judge –made law
 Identify labels sometimes used to describe judges and judicial decisions.  What impact can labels have?   Judicial activism is generally used to describe a decision someone doesn't  like or agree with. Perfectly fine to disagree with a decision or criticize a decision. But when it is based on the law and the facts this is how it should be judged. Use example of No Vehicles in the Park. If a law is not clear or specific enough, someone may challenge the law in the courts. The courts do not go out and search for laws to invalidate or question. Simple example would be No Vehicles in the Park. The sign is up at a park entrance. What is a vehicle? What about motorcycles or motorized wheel chairs…… What about a school bus or an ambulance. Who could get a ticket if they go into the park. On a higher level ask questions in the US Constitution. For example What is UNREASONABLE under the 4th amendment. Use case scenarios. Is it reasonable for police to search your home without a warrant? How about your car? Is it reasonable for the government to track your Internet browser results, etc.
The term “activist” judge has become a pejorative term that has become synonymous with "bad" judge – one who "makes" law rather than interprets law; one who legislates from the bench rather than "interprets statutes"; one who holds a statute "unconstitutional" rather than one who is "deferential" to the Legislature; one who "protects criminals" rather than "protects victims."
Or what about the term “judge made law?” What does that imply? 

23. What do you think?
…what factors should NOT influence the judge’s decision in your case?
Public opinion about the issue
Political demands
Your political party affiliation
The position of special interest groups on the issue
Media reports
Personal perspectives or affiliations of the judge
Money or special interests
When you walk into the courtroom and face the judge…
Now that we have examined the characteristics and accountability of judges, what factors do you think should not influence the judge’s decision in your case? As time permits, this can be a whole group presentation or a small group discussion.
Do not advance the presentation beyond the questions until responses have been received.
Should outcomes of cases rest upon public opinion polls or political demands, or the media or special interests? What about emotionally charged high profile cases. The factors listed above are some of the most reported. Others may be added.

24. Visit the Informed Voters Project website at ivp.nawj.org
Like us on Facebook at Informed Voters, Fair Judges – National Association of Women Judges
Visit the Informed Voters Project website at ivp.nawj.org
Highlight website and Facebook page. Videos and PSAs are also available.

25. What can you do? For additional information contact staff@flrea.org
Provide concrete examples of how to get involved  to ensure a fair and impartial judiciary. Encourage participants to visit the
   website and Facebook page. Share materials and discuss with others. If you hear labels utilized to describe judges or judicial
   decisions, utilize reasoning and critical thinking skills to evaluate the source and context of the criticisms.
Think critically and educate others about the role of judges in our constitutional system and how judges are different from other elected officials
You may want to consider the judge’s legal and judicial experience as well as his or her educational background in making decisions
Seek information on the judge’s temperament and judicial demeanor on the bench
Determine if the judge has a disciplinary record as a lawyer or judge