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    • Oklahoma judges are not politically partisan
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    Oklahoma judges are not politically partisan

    Harry Posted on

    Attempts to politicize the judiciary could have a negative impact on every Oklahoman seeking justice through our state courts.

    Miles Pringle
    | guest columnist

    It is important for every Oklahoman to know that their disputes are resolved fairly. There have been ads lately trying to politicize Oklahoma’s judicial branch. These advertisements are misleading and may erode public confidence in our judicial system. Every member of the Oklahoma Supreme Court is a competent and honorable professional. All members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, including those not on the ballot, make their decisions based on the facts and law before them.

    More: Attack ads target 3 Oklahoma Supreme Court justices ahead of November vote

    Oklahoma judges are not political partisans. They do not run for office or seek office as members of a political party. They are not elected because of their connection to an elected official. Instead, the Judicial Nominating Commission, made up of 15 Oklahomans (only six of whom are lawyers), reviews each applicant for appellate judicial office. They are being assisted in their investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. This impartial commission then selects the most qualified and ethical individuals. The governor makes the final decision from among three qualified candidates. Voters can learn more about how our state elects judges and justices by visiting courtfacts.orgA free, nonpartisan online resource for voter information hosted by the Oklahoma Bar Association.

    The people have the right to have their say through the vote to preserve the judiciary. When a judge or judge’s name appears on the ballot, Oklahoma voters can choose “yes” or “no” to decide whether that judge will remain in office for the next six years. You can also find accurate information about the judges and justices on this year’s ballot at: courtfacts.org. Voters should base their decisions on professional character and ethical values. If a judge or justice is scandalized or has otherwise proven himself unfit, withholding votes is a means of accountability. Politics should not be the basis for judicial detention.

    Idea: A Supreme Court scandal has humiliated Oklahoma before. A new one is being prepared.

    This year, you may have seen or heard political ads claiming that the Oklahoma Supreme Court justices who issued the retention order were “liberal activists.” This is misleading and dangerous because the Supreme Court is a non-political branch of government. Attempts to politicize the judiciary could have a negative impact on every Oklahoman seeking justice through our state courts.

    Our law-based society is built on an independent and non-political judiciary. This is important. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the rule of law is a foundation of freedom that depends on a functioning judiciary that is respected for its independence, professional accomplishments, and the absolute honesty and integrity of its judges.

    Despite what recent misleading advertising has said, Oklahoma has achieved this ideal.

    Miles Pringle of Oklahoma City is serving as the 2024 president of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

    Harry
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