- Question
Should Supreme Court Justices be elected or appointed?
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the legal hierarchy. The system in which Supreme Court justices are elected or appointed may shape how they act and decide on rulings. Even though justices are usually appointed, some argue that elections should be held to ensure an independent judiciary.
Supreme court justices should be elected
Elections are the basis of direct democracy. They ensure that citizens have choices from all spectra of judicial leanings instead of one-party nominating like-minded justices. Elections avoid the possibility of a politicized judiciary.
Supreme court justices should be appointed
Appointments of Supreme Court justices ensure that all justices are qualified for the job. Unlike elected justices, appointed justices do not need to worry about the popular view. They can base their decisions on legal correctness rather than political popularity.