Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
ProTem Judges
Why does the Van Nuys Court House as well as the Burbank Courts have mostly ProTem Judges presiding over the cases? Where have all of the Judges gone? As one enters the elevator at the Burbank court house, a notice is posted that they are looking to fill several openings to be a Judge. Now something seems wrong about posting a job opening like that. It seems tacky. I think they should go through an executive recruit firm. But what happened that attys are hearing my case?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: ProTem Judges
We are short judges because liberal politicians have stalled the entire process as political leverage, at both the state and national level. Pro tem judges [experienced attorneys] hear many cases, and remember, judges were attorneys before being appointed.
Re: ProTem Judges
Judges are elected, or appointed by the Governor. Court commissioners and referees are attorneys appointed by the judges; they are called judges "pro tem." If you prefer that your case be heard by a Judge instead of a Judge Pro Tem, you have that right, but you must object at the first hearing or else, in many cases, you are stuck with the pro tem.
What's wrong with posting job openings for judges at the courthouse? The position of judge is, of course, a government job; and just as with any other government job it is required to be posted and made equally available to all qualified applicants.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
