Groups hail creation of commission
by admin on 17/06/09 at 6:17 am
West Virginia Record
By Justin Anderson
June 16, 2009
CHARLESTON – Legal advocacy groups hailed Gov. Joe Manchin’s official creation of a nine-member commission to study the state’s court system.
But while one of the groups said the commission is long overdue, the other is calling for an objective look at the system, free from special interest bias.
“This critical examination of West Virginia’s judiciary is long overdue,” said Richie Heath, executive director of the non-profit West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. “For years now, our court system has been the object of much local and national criticism, which drives well paying jobs to other states.”
Meanwhile, Timothy Bailey, president of the West Virginia Association for Justice — a plaintiffs’ lawyer group — said it’s important to disregard the “judicial hellhole” status groups have heaped on the state.
“It is our hope that this commission will take the time to study our courts objectively and address any identified issues in a way that is fair for every West Virginian,” Bailey said. “It is critical that we do not fall victim to preconceived notions about what some people say is wrong with our courts when the evidence does not support those conclusions.”
Heath said the state’s court system as it is now “attracts lawsuits and repels economic growth.” He noted that West Virginia is one of only a handful of states that elects its judges.
Heath also called on the governor’s commission to consider the state Supreme Court’s recusal process for justices, which leaves it up to the individual justice to decide.
ROBE
Jun 26th, 2009
It very interesting that each time negative news comes out about WV similar to the ethics report today in the Gazette, the first line of attack is a stark denial. Let there be a court ordered inquiry regarding the way the State Bar has operated when Bar complaints have been filed and the public will learn the truth about the status of ethical and professional conduct there whilch is naturally touted as being exemplary. The problem with the Commission is that lawyers prevail. It will be against their self-interests to conclude that major overhauls are needed including those for the State Bar. For individuals who contend that self-regulation of the State’s legal profession works, please cite valid documentation and not expect citizens too make up their minds based solely on anecdotal information being metered out.