PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Most of the energy around Tuesday's Democratic primary election in the city is focused on the race for Philadelphia district attorney — but legal experts also want to shine some light on those running for judge.
Legal experts say judges probably have more of a direct impact on everyday life than even district attorney. For someone in the midst of a custody battle or a fight over child support, or for a recent victim of a crime, judges are the ones who referee the case.
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"If you have a family law issue, custody, support, a judge is going to make those decisions. If you’ve got a civil case, and you are suing someone for person injury or a contract dispute, the judge is going to make the decision," said Niki Ingram, chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Association's nonpartisan Judicial Commission.
She says it’s really important that people have faith in judges.
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"If someone is the victim of a crime, then it’s important to have a judge who is going to appreciate that. Similarily, if someone is arrested, you want the judge to understand the law, and to make sure the person is appropriately charged and to make sure the person has a fair hearing."
There are open seats at all levels of the bench: Municipal, Common Pleas, Superior and Supreme; criminal and civil. The Judicial Commission looks into candidates by analyzing their careers, reputations, experience and sometimes finances.
"We want people who are qualified. We want people who deal with all aspects of the law, people who understand evidence, and understand the evidentiary requirements. We want people who understand the nuances of life," Ingram said.
The commission interviews each candidate, who gives a presentation. The group then asks other legal colleagues and judges about the candidates' work. Finally, the commission rates candidates as "recommended" or "not recommended" — some even as "highly recommended" — so voters can be better informed about who takes the bench.
"Not recommended" usually means the judge has not been in front of the Bar Association.
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"So what the Bar Association and the Judicial Commission are trying to do is to make sure we have as vigorous a process to ensure the citizens are getting the best possible candidates to be judges."
To see which candidates are recommended by the Bar Association, visit electqualifiedjudges.com.