Lawmakers Control Future of Panel’s Recommendations
by admin on 08/01/10 at 7:13 am
The State Journal
By Michael Hupp
January 8, 2009
CHARLESTON — Last year, Gov. Joe Manchin named the Independent Commission for Judicial Reform to review the state judicial system and its reputation. In November, the commission listed public financing for judicial races and a new appellate court system among its recommendations.
Now with the 2010 legislative season just around the corner, many in the state are speculating those recommendations will be the hot topic of the next 60 days.
“You do not need a crystal ball to see the big question is how the Legislature will respond to recommendations made by the commission,” said Steve Canterbury, administrative director of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Canterbury said the main recommendations under the spotlight this session will be establishing public financing for one of the two open Supreme Court seats in the 2012 race, the overall transparency in filling open judicial seats and the establishment of an intermediate appellate court.
Delegate Tim Miley, D-Harrison, said the cost of any overhauls will shape the decisions made concerning the recommendations.
Miley said he has heard the estimated cost for an intermediate appellate court could run between $8 million and $9 million.
Miley said the cost associated with one case or decision is reason enough to insure individuals and businesses are given the opportunity to an appeal.
Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Jeffery Kessler, D-Marshall, said $8 million is a drop in the bucket if it changes perception of the state’s judicial system.
