How does Virginia’s judicial selection compare to the Federal system and other states?
Should Virginia change its system?
What local input goes into the selection of judges for Prince William County?
This year’s controversies over the nominations of federal and state supreme court justices highlight that there is more than one way to select these very important public officials. Virginia is one of only two states in which the legislature appoints judges without input from the governor, whose only role is to fill vacancies when the legislature is in recess. Many other states follow the federal system where the executive nominates and the legislature confirms judicial appointments. In other states, judges are evaluated by appointed panels, popularly elected, or face retention elections. Bar associations play varying roles in recommending or rating candidates. What system best insures impartial justice and puts the most able jurists on the bench?
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Wyndham Garden Hotel, 10800 Vandor Lane, Manassas, Va 20109
Social Time–6:30 PM; Dinner–7:00 PM; Program–7:45 PM
Dinner: $25 for PWC100 members, $30 for nonmembers
No Charge for Attending the Program
RSVP by Monday, May 16, 5 pm to [email protected]
Moderator: John Foote, Esq., Former County Attorney for Prince William County
Speakers:
Henry N. Butler, Dean and Professor
George Mason University School of Law
Joe Condo, Former President
Virginia State Bar
Hon. Scott Surovell, Senator
Commonwealth of Virginia
Bob Zelnick, Chair of the Prince William County Bar Association
Judicial Screening Committee
