Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2001
Publication Title
Catholic University Law Review
Keywords
judicial candidates, judges, judicial corruption, campaign contributions, judicial integrity
Abstract
The thesis offered here is that the cost of judicial campaigns has reached a level where both candidates and sitting judges are shaping their behavior to attract financial and other support. This not only results in distortion of judicial selection by repelling meritorious potential candidates who are unwilling to compromise their principles, but in the capture of judges by special interests willing to finance judicial campaigns. Some argue that the great increase in contributions to judicial candidates simply means that contributors are giving to candidates they feel certain will support their positions. To some extent this is certainly true. But even in those situations the legality of the action does not mean it is socially desirable or without harmful consequences.
Repository Citation
David R. Barnhizer, "On the Make": Campaign Funding and the Corrupting of the American Judiciary, 50 Catholic University Law Review 361 (2001)
Volume
50
Included in
American Politics Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Commons
