Judicial Systems and Accountability

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to judicial systems and the balance between independence and accountability in judicial roles.

Independence-Accountability Trade-off

The direct and inverse relationship between a judge's freedom from outside influence and their obligation to be responsive to an external body.

Selection System

The mechanism by which judges are initially picked or promoted to higher courts.

Retention System

The mechanism by which judges keep their jobs.

Article III Judges

The main judges in the federal court system who enjoy life tenure and salary protection.

Article I Judges

Other types of federal judges who do not have the same protections as Article III judges; often Executive Branch employees.

Senatorial Courtesy / Blue Slips

The standard practice for lower-level appointments where two Senators from the nominee's state may offer a soft veto.

Nuclear Option

The parliamentary maneuver used in the Senate to eliminate the filibuster for judicial nominations.

Merit Selection (Missouri Plan)

A system used in some state supreme courts where a nonpartisan commission selects qualified candidates for the governor to appoint.

Paradox of Nonpartisan Elections

Nonpartisan elections can constrain judges more than partisan elections because they lack party affiliation that provides 'free' information.

Civil Law Countries

Countries with a judicial selection system where potential judges take a civil service exam and undergo extensive training.