Lawmakers to See Legal Reform Bills This Session
by admin on 21/01/10 at 7:45 am
The State Journal
By Michael Hupp
January 21, 2010
CHARLESTON — When Gov. Joe Manchin III delivered his State of the State address Jan. 13, he outlined several initiatives he planned to push during the 2010 legislative session, including what he called “groundwork” for legal reform.
“Whether justified or not, West Virginia is fighting an unfair perception of an unfair judicial system,” Manchin said in the address.
The American Tort Reform Association consistently has named West Virginia a Judicial Hellhole in annual reports highlighting notorious judicial systems in the country. West Virginia was named the No. 2 Judicial Hellhole for 2009.
Manchin said he plans to introduce bills based on recommendations made by the Independent Commission on Judicial Reform. He created the commission to consider “broad systematic reforms” in the state’s judicial system.
Bills stemming from the commission’s recommendation include a public campaign financing pilot program for two open seats on the state Supreme Court of Appeals and establishing a judicial advisory committee to help the governor select circuit court judges.
Manchin said the public financing program would relieve judges of the burden of campaign fundraising.
“This will reduce the appearance of bias,” Manchin said, explaining public money will be available for both primary and general elections.
Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, introduced a similar public finance option during last year’s legislative session. That bill was voted down.
Kessler said he is confident the bill will pass this session.
“We have the governor’s support, and some others that may not have been on board last session are supportive of some kind of measure this time. So I think some kind of measure will pass,” Kessler said.
Manchin said a judicial advisory committee will ensure only the highest-qualified individuals will be considered for appointment and enhance transparency in the selection process.
According to Manchin, about half of the state’s circuit judges currently serving were appointed.
