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A comment on Mass incarceration: A new theory for why so many Americans are in prison. Parent comment

Re:Mass incarceration: A new theory for why so many American... by adrusi on Friday October 02, 2015 @09:09AM (#10318228)
They're "supposed to" be appointed. This is the way it used to be and the way it constitutionally has to be at the federal level. But I think more than half of states have elected judges.

True, they often run unopposed, but that doesn't free then from political pressure; if they make an unpopular decision, any lawyer could opt to run against them by simply campaigning as not the other judge. They would usually win and get a fantastic résumé boost.

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Re:Mass incarceration: A new theory for why so many American... by Amezarak on Friday October 02, 2015 @01:04PM (#10319748)
> if they make an unpopular decision, any lawyer could opt to run against them by simply campaigning as not the other judge

In many localities there is no requirement that a judge have any prior legal training or experience.

So anyone, not just any lawyer.

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