SENATE RESOLUTION

                                                                  1993-8606

By Senators Talmadge, Nelson and A. Smith

            WHEREAS, The most important characteristic of a strong judicial branch is the ability to make decisions which are independent and free of political influence; and

            WHEREAS, There are several methods provided for persons to choose members of the judiciary; and

            WHEREAS, There is an ongoing need to attract qualified, diverse, and public-service oriented persons for membership in the judiciary of our state; and

            WHEREAS, The existing system of judicial appointment and election may not always provide the best opportunity for an informed exercise of the franchise by the electorate; and

            WHEREAS, The current system has not been significantly revised since its creation even though other systems have been put in place in other jurisdictions;

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate Law and Justice Committee conduct a study of the method of judicial selection and election during summer and fall of 1993; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study be done in conjunction with the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee to the extent the committee wishes to participate; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study be done with input from organizations directly and indirectly affected by the nature of the process of selecting and electing the judiciary as well as any other organizations and individuals the committees shall identify as appropriate; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Committee on Law and Justice shall report its findings, including any recommendations, to the Senate not later than January 1, 1994.