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2007 Ratings for Judicial Candidates

RATINGS

A.  A Committee rating shall be effective only for the specific position or appointment with respect to which the candidate has been rated.

B.  When a person previously rated by the Committee seeks re-rating for the same position, the Committee shall use its discretion in determining if further evaluation is necessary to make a subsequent rating.

CRITERIA FOR RATING CANDIDATES

A.  No Rating. A Candidate shall be given no rating:

1.  If insufficient information is available for Committee evaluation at the time if the candidate is being considered for rating, or

2.  If the candidate has not made timely application for a rating, including timely submission of materials requested by the Committee, or

3.  If the candidate served as a member of the WAPA Evaluation Committee prior to seeking appointment or election for an open position after the WAPA Evaluation Committee has begun rating other candidates for that open position.

B.  Unqualified.  A candidate shall be rated unqualified if he or she fails to meet the criteria for a "Qualified" rating.

C.  Qualified.  Candidate must possess the following attributes:

1.  Candidate meets the constitutional or statutory requirements for the office.

2.  Candidate has a reputation for integrity, good character, courtesy, common sense, and respect for all persons.

3.  Candidate demonstrates respect for the law, for the judicial process, and for the dignity of the court.

4.  Candidate is fair and has a reputation for fairness and freedom form bias against any group or class of citizens.

5.  Candidate possesses the ability to make difficult decisions under stress.

6.  Candidate has good legal ability and good writing skills.

7.  Candidate had the temperament and courtroom practice appropriate to the judicial position for which the candidate is being considered.

8.  Candidate has the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with attorneys, litigants, and other participants in the courtroom.

9.  Candidate had the ability to command respect from the attorneys, litigants, and other participants in the courtroom, and has the energy and capacity for hard work.

D.  Well Qualified.  Candidate shall meet the criteria for "Qualified" and must have the following:

1.  Candidate has demonstrated respect for the rights of crime victims and the constitutional powers of coordinate branches of government.

2.  Candidate either has judicial experience or experience as a neutral decision-maker or a demonstrated commitment to serving in the role of neutral decision-maker.

E.  Exceptionally Well Qualified.  Candidate shall meet the criteria for "Qualified" and for "Well Qualified" and must have the following:

1.  Excellent legal ability and writing skills, which may be evidenced by excellent legal analysis and an excellent ability to deal with legal problems, by proven legal scholarship and writing, or by a reputation for excellence in legal work and practice.

2.  Candidate has demonstrated exceptional litigation, judicial or administrative experience.  Candidate also has a reputation for outstanding personal and professional integrity, personal and professional independence, personal courage, and an excellent ability to make difficult decisions in demanding situations.

3.  Candidate shall have demonstrated some or all of the following:

a.  Significant public service.

b.  Potential for leadership on the bench.

c.  An interest in and commitment to working with other judges and court administrators to improve the administration of justice.

Name

Court Position

Rating

Mary Kay Becker Supreme Court Justice Exceptionally Well Qualified
Hugh D Spitzer Supreme Court Justice Exceptionally Well Qualified
Mary Yu Supreme Court Justice Well Qualified
Patricia Clark Supreme Court Justice Qualified
Bradley A Maxa Supreme Court Justice Qualified
Charlie Wiggins Supreme Court Justice Qualified
James M Thomas Supreme Court Justice Not Qualified

             

This page is maintained by Amber Haslett and was updated on November 21, 2007