Judges elected by popular vote would be equally corrupt – probably worse. In states where this exists (Georgia for example), well-heeled lawyers contribute to judges’ campaigns, and get what they want as a result – and the need to appeal to a constituency erodes judicial independence. But Corley is right to urge a ban on nepotism.
The best (though not perfect) system would be appointments to the trial court bench by the Governor, from a slate vetted and approved by the Bar, with the “advice and consent” of the Senate – similar to the federal system – although this is certainly still political and capable of manipulation and vote trading. Term limits would be a good idea. Also, judicial salaries should be increased, to encourage good lawyers to consider the job, and judicial retirement should be reformed so that judges wont hang on just to become eligible for a guaranteed retirement income.
Finally, we need more state court trial judges, more civil matters being referred to administrative courts and masters in equity, a system to unclog and expedite criminal dockets, fairness in scheduling criminal trials, a separate dispute resolution system for prisoner suits and PCRs, mandatory mediation of all civil and domestic matters, additional statewide investment in electronic records technology, more and better paid public defenders, and another round of tort reform.
Or not.
“There needs to be a federal probe into the workings of the South Carolina General Assembly,” one lawmaker told us after witnessing the horse-trading in this year’s race.
And, if the feds came in, oh, the screaming about Obama’s partisan overreach we would immediately be hearing.
It’s best the feds just let us wallow in our own excrement until we are sick of it.
Herman W. "Buz" Martin February 4, 2016 at 12:37 pm
It’s powerful Democrats like Nettles, Toal, Clyburn, Harpootlean and Sheeheen who keep the fed probers at bay. But you’re right. If anything comes of such investigations, the great hue and cry about it all being Obama’s fault would be deafening.
I have read more than I care to admit about this corrupt SC Supreme Court. Being an up country man for decades, I can’t help but notice that with all the discussions, opinions, posturing and such that go on with this Court, our home grown Bible thumping, Sunday School teaching Justice John Kittredge is rarely ever mentioned. Exactly, what is wrong with this guy. As for future leadership fights, he is most conspicuously never mentioned. Do any of you self proclaimed insiders in Columbia know what the problem might be?
13 comments
Great idea — roll it into the “ethics” bill and pass it!
Roll it and smoke it, more likely to happen that way.
Where is the evidence this race was shady? Sensationalist headline but no there is there.
Judges elected by popular vote would be equally corrupt – probably worse. In states where this exists (Georgia for example), well-heeled lawyers contribute to judges’ campaigns, and get what they want as a result – and the need to appeal to a constituency erodes judicial independence. But Corley is right to urge a ban on nepotism.
The best (though not perfect) system would be appointments to the trial court bench by the Governor, from a slate vetted and approved by the Bar, with the “advice and consent” of the Senate – similar to the federal system – although this is certainly still political and capable of manipulation and vote trading. Term limits would be a good idea. Also, judicial salaries should be increased, to encourage good lawyers to consider the job, and judicial retirement should be reformed so that judges wont hang on just to become eligible for a guaranteed retirement income.
Finally, we need more state court trial judges, more civil matters being referred to administrative courts and masters in equity, a system to unclog and expedite criminal dockets, fairness in scheduling criminal trials, a separate dispute resolution system for prisoner suits and PCRs, mandatory mediation of all civil and domestic matters, additional statewide investment in electronic records technology, more and better paid public defenders, and another round of tort reform.
Or not.
“There needs to be a federal probe into the workings of the South Carolina General Assembly,” one lawmaker told us after witnessing the horse-trading in this year’s race.
And, if the feds came in, oh, the screaming about Obama’s partisan overreach we would immediately be hearing.
It’s best the feds just let us wallow in our own excrement until we are sick of it.
It’s powerful Democrats like Nettles, Toal, Clyburn, Harpootlean and Sheeheen who keep the fed probers at bay. But you’re right. If anything comes of such investigations, the great hue and cry about it all being Obama’s fault would be deafening.
I almost completely agree with this article. Except I’d call it a shit show not a goat show. Other than that, perfect.
Fits screwed this all up and is trying to cover it. Bad reporting.
What “insidious insider dealings?” Do you have any specifics?
You are stupid.
Can someone tell me what Katrina Shealy has actually done?
nothin except for pour money into djj
I have read more than I care to admit about this corrupt SC Supreme Court. Being an up country man for decades, I can’t help but notice that with all the discussions, opinions, posturing and such that go on with this Court, our home grown Bible thumping, Sunday School teaching Justice John Kittredge is rarely ever mentioned. Exactly, what is wrong with this guy. As for future leadership fights, he is most conspicuously never mentioned. Do any of you self proclaimed insiders in Columbia know what the problem might be?