Chapter 8: Judges

The ____________ is an organization that has historically had influence on who is chosen as a federal judge by issuing rankings based on qualifications, although this role is an informal one.

American Bar Association

____________ are selected as judges more often under the Missouri Bar Plan than under executive appointment.

Former district attorneys

In what way do female judges differ from male judges in terms of the rulings they make?

Male and female judges tend to only differ in their decisions on sex discrimination cases.

Judge Wong has been assigned to hear a civil case between two film production companies. She is aware that she holds stock in one of the companies. What should she do next?

Recuse herself from the case because it is a conflict of interest.

Why do judges find it difficult to address public criticism for unpopular opinions?

The judicial conduct standard prohibits judges from commenting on cases.

Which judge presides over the preliminary hearing stage in a major trial court setting?

a lower court judge

Although this is not a requirement for the position, all 114 justices of the U.S. Supreme Court have been ____________.

accredited attorneys

Judges in the ____________ issue rulings that establish boundaries for search and seizure and custodial interrogation in criminal procedure.

appellate court

Judges' offices are called their ____________.

chambers

The judge, prosecutor, defense attorneys, clerks, and probation officers make up the ____________.

courtroom work group

If a lawyer does not follow the rules of professional conduct in court during a civil suit, the judge is empowered to ____________.

find the lawyer in contempt of court

An important difference between executive appointments of judges at the state level versus the federal level is that ____________.

governors do not generally consult state senators about candidates

Judge David Connors has been impeached on corruption charges, which means ____________.

he has been accused of wrongdoing

In a criminal case, bail amount is set by the ____________.

judge

In 1960, California became the first state to institute a ____________, although every other state has now followed California's lead.

judicial conduct commission

The process for removing unfit judges must be balanced by the guarantee of ____________.

judicial independence

Which tool helps voters make informed decisions about judicial retention elections?

judicial performance evaluation

For the period between 2008 and 2010, what percentage of state court judges were African-American?

less than 10 percent

Arjun Patel, Esq. is a prominent attorney. The judicial nominating committee of his state includes his name with two others on a list from which the governor selects Mr. Patel to become a judge. After serving a probationary period, Judge Patel's appointment is confirmed in a retention election. Which system is being used to select judges in this state?

merit selection

At the federal level, district or circuit court judges are nominated by the ____________ after considering recommendations from the Office of Legal Policy.

president

When a lawyer becomes a judge, it is usually considered the capstone to a successful career. In addition to presiding in court and being called "your honor," a judge can expect to be paid ____________ than a lawyer.

significantly less

In a study of New York trial court judges, an overwhelming 94 percent expressed dissatisfaction with ____________.

the lack of regular pay raises

Judges differ in terms of ____________, leading attorneys to "judge shop" through the strategic use of motions for continuances.

the sentences they hand out

Who has the final power to discipline errant state court judges?

the state supreme court

When a governor appoints judges, the system benefits those who have held state office and ____________.

those favored by major campaign donors