fandomhigh | Functioning Governments, Thursday, September 10, 2020

"With American Election Day only two months away," Steve began, "we will absolutely be focusing on that in later classes, but today we're going to talk about judges and what a lifetime appointment, rather than being elected a judge, means."

"Now, for those who are more familiar with the US system of government, these are the Federal Judges," Tony added. "They are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. Their terms are, as Captain Rogers said, for life. They may retire or be removed from office due to misconduct as well."

Steve nodded. "They can be impeached and removed by the Congress just like a President or a member of the Cabinet. It doesn't happen very often, though. Only 15 judges in history have been impeached, and just 8 have been convicted and removed. Most see the writing on the wall and resign instead."

"Judges hold a great deal of power over the interpretation of the law and changes therein. Many court cases have had a major impact on this country for good or for ill," Tony said. "But, like we said before, they are appointed and therefore usually have political agendas. True impartiality isn't likely. Does that mean the system is flawed? Do you think appointments should be limited? Or would that simply turn into a revolving door of agendas?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Impartially.

Miles Morales

Juillenne Milone (and Camden)

Adora

Arabella Baylor

Wayne

Freya Crescent

Alara Kitan

Judges, whee.

Honestly, Miles was half listening as he doodled in his notebook a picture of a gavel crushing an orange cheeto.

"True impartiality isn't likely. Does that mean the system for installing judges is flawed? Do you think appointments should be limited? Or would that simply turn into a revolving door of agendas?"

How does it work in your dimension?

Miles pondered that one for a bit before speaking up. "Every form of government has flaws. But if we have a revolving door on the judicial branch wouldn't that bring about more inconsistencies in how the law is enforced?"

"It would," Tony agreed. "Though some people would argue that it would be more capable of following public opinion on subjects."

"But wouldn't that cause the same problems we have with elected officials today?" Miles asked. "Judges can't be impartial if they are taking campaign funds from large donors. They could recuse themselves but wouldn't that cause issues?"

Steve nodded. "There are states where you can elect judges, as well, which brings in questions like 'how do voters know what makes good qualities in judges', too."

"So how do they handle taking campaign funds and being impartial in cases they preside over?" Miles asked.

"I think it varies by states, which also explains why justice, unfortunately, can also vary by states," Steve said.

"I don't think there's a single person at any level of politics who doesn't have an agenda," Jules pointed out. Yes, Steve, she was including herself in this.

"Where I'm from, a Queen appoints a Black Council after she's crowned. The Council takes care of things such as criminal judgements, as well as general governance after the Queen has done her duty to the island," not that anyone here would know what that meant. "Historically, membership of the Council was supposed to be balanced between the different gifts- but the last few generations, nearly the entire Council consisted of poisoners." She made a face.

"How do you feel about that system then? Is it one you support or would you make changes to it?" Tony asked.

"I'm doing my best to make changes to it," Jules admitted. "But there's only so much change people are comfortable with all at once."

"Poisoners, huh," Steve said. "Is this one of those situations where if you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail? If you only have poisoners, everyone should be poisoned?"

"Oh, not always," Jules said drily. "Sometimes they opted for exile as a punishment."

"Ooooh," Steve said just as drily. "How magnanimous."

If you'd like!

FUN FACT: 1 in 4 federal circuit court judges are now Trump appointees.

Screw McConnell SO HARD.

Functioning Governments, Thursday, September 10, 2020

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Listen to the lecture!

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Answer the questions!

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Talk to Steve and Tony

OOC