judgesonmerit.org

A column by Detroit Free Press assoicate editor Ron Dzwonkowski offers a straightforward, no nonsense approach to the upcoming United States Supreme Court case of Caperton v. Massey.  As we’ve reported, this is the case from West Virginia that presents the question of whether judges have to recuse (step aside) in cases involving campaign contributors.  Mr. Dzwonkowski writes:

Where the courts are concerned, if it looks bad it is bad, so don’t do it. In the legal system, fairness is paramount and the appearance of fairness is … whatever comes right under paramount.

We agree that when it comes to the courts, perception is as important to reality.

His common sense reasoning leads Mr. Dzwonkowski to urge the Supreme Court to decide that: “A judge cannot rule on a case involving anyone, any company, any group, that gave the judge money or otherwise helped the judge win his or her judgeship.”

Lots of folks will be watching next week’s oral argument and the anticipated decision later this spring with great anticipation.   Here in Pennsylvania, it’s election season, so the decision could have immediate impact.  We’ll be following the case closely.