The Battle Continues In Missouri
July 14, 2009
Better Courts for Missouri has launched a petition drive aimed to putting an initiative on the ballot to make the state’s judicial selection process more open and more accountable to the people.
As it stands today, Missouri judges are chosen behind closed doors by a committee dominated by trial lawyers. In fact, according to Better Courts for Missouri, “all of the lawyer members under the ‘non-partisan’ judicial selection system are or were on the Board of Governors of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA).”
Legislation to require the judicial nominating commission to come out from behind closed doors passed the House last April. However, the Senate adjourned without taking action following a furious lobbying campaign to kill the bill by legal special interests and, astonishingly enough, sitting judges themselves.
Passing any constitutional amendment is an uphill battle, but Better Courts for Missouri has pledged to continue the fight on behalf of Missouri citizens. Said member Larry Russell:
“Missourians should have a say in who sits on their high courts, not just elite trial attorneys. The initiative petition is an important right for Missourians.”