Public Funding of Judicial Elections: Financing Campaigns for Fair and Impartial Courts

Publication Date: January 2002

Publisher: Brennan Center for Justice

Author(s): Deborah Goldberg

Research Area: Justice; Politics

Keywords: Democracy; Fair Courts; State Judicial Elections

Type: Report

Abstract:

Judicial Independence Series: This paper makes the case for public financing of judicial elections from several perspectives. First, it describes current circumstances and the need for change. Then, it describes public financing options for contested and retention elections. Finally, it makes the case that these options are constitutionally permissible and sound. This paper is an indispensable resource for anyone trying to understand, propose, support and defend a public financing system for judicial elections.