Unlike elections for federal and local political offices, there is usually little attention or media coverage of judge elections. However, as American politics has become more polarizing, the impact is visible on judicial elections, too. In 2025, a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice election led to the involvement of billionaires associated with both parties, and spending totaling over $100 millionLinks to an external site. (in comparison, the Virginia Governor and Lieutenant Governor elections in the same year, despite their higher stakes and far more publicity, spent only slightly over $120 million). Per the textbook, judge elections are based on the belief that "an elitist judiciary does not square with the ideology of a government controlled by the people," and are largely a unique feature of American courts. Most countries, including the United Kingdom, do not have judge elections.
Based on what you learned about judges in Chapter 8, as well as previous chapters (such as the sections about the U.S. Supreme Court), should the judges be responsive to the will of voters/the general public? Why or why not?
This discussion aligns with learning objectives 3.4 and 3.6
Expectations
- Minimum 150 words,
- Thoroughly addresses the prompt,
- Adheres to the due date