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In an op-ed in the Patriot-News, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) argues that a series of cases involving illegal and/or unethical conduct by Pennsylvania judges has further diminished public confidence in the courts.  Even though these cases involve individual judges who made bad choices and exercised poor judgment, they damage the judiciary as a whole:

Public confidence in the courts has been undermined. Not that the level of public confidence was that high to begin with. Research reveals that nearly 90 percent of Pennsylvanians believe campaign contributions affect judicial decisions. Look at that closely — nine out of 10 Pennsylvanians think that judges do not separate what happened during their political campaigns from how they rule in the courtroom. Combined with a general mistrust of public officials, particularly in light of the 2005 pay raise, this adds up to a disturbingly low level of public confidence in judges and, by extension, the justice system as a whole.

PMC proposes three steps to restore public confidence in the courts and the judiciary.  First, the judicial discipline system must remain strong and independent.  Second, PMC calls for court leaders and bar leaders to make a strong statement condemning illegal and unethical conduct by judges.  The third recommendation is for Pennsylvania to adopt a Merit Selection system for choosing judges:

We already know that many Pennsylvanians are concerned about the pernicious effect of money in judicial campaigns. We must get money out of the system of selecting judges and focus on qualifications, experience and the highest ethical standards.

Pennsylvania has to deal with a serious problem.  The actions of a few have harmed the entire court system.  For the court system to be effective, the public must be confident that justice will be dispensed honestly, fairly and impartially:

Judges serve the public. The public’s confidence in the judicial system is fragile but necessary in a democracy. The Legislature and the Supreme Court must act now to restore public confidence. And we all must be vigilant in ensuring that our public servants are serving the public.

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