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Selection Method and Judicial Background Characteristics

Delaney, Michael B
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382372765

Abstract Details

2013, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Sociology.
This study explores social background characteristics of the judges serving in the lower trial courts of two states which utilize different methods to choose judges and which, if any, of Max Weber's types of legitimate authority is more supported by a specific method. Colorado ascribes to the "Missouri Plan" in which the governor initially appoints the judge who must then eventually face a retention election (keep the judge or remove them). Kentucky formally uses a contested non-partisan election system wherein the judge must also run against an opponent for re-election. However, about 45 percent of these Kentucky jurists are in fact initially appointed by the governor due to politically timed retirements and resignations. While almost all prior research on such characteristics has addressed United States Supreme Court Justices, United States Circuit Court of Appeals judges, and various state supreme court judges, this study is the first to specifically address state lower trial court judges or to consider Weber's typologies. More specifically, mail surveys were sent to all justices serving on the Kentucky District Courts as well as all those serving on the Colorado County Courts inquiring about 35 variables in eight major categories: localism, political party, demographics, religious affiliation, family background, income upon attaining the bench, prior legal experience, and occupational background. The Kentucky judges were also asked how they initially attained their position. Results are grouped into three findings.
Steven Carlton-Ford, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Paula Dubeck, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Annulla Linders, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
135 p.
Sociology
judicial; selection method; Missouri Plan; background characteristics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Delaney, M. B. (2013). Selection Method and Judicial Background Characteristics [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382372765

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Delaney, Michael. Selection Method and Judicial Background Characteristics. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382372765.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Delaney, Michael. "Selection Method and Judicial Background Characteristics." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382372765

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1382372765
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.