Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Washington

judiciary

i was wondering if you would know how the judiciary is independant yet accountable?


Asked on 12/10/07, 3:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Jeanette Burrage Law Office of Jeanette R. Burrage

Re: judiciary

The judiciary is independent when they base their decisions on the law and constitution without regard for what voters want.

The federal judiciary is accountable in the sense that if they do something really bad they can be impeached. That has not happened in a long time.

The state judiciary here in Washington is more accountable. Here the judges might need to be braver in deciding cases on the law, not what voters at the time would like, because they are up for election.

Unfortunatly most people do not realize that judges now are either too pro-government or interpret the Constitutions like our founders intended. There are previous cases to support both views now. I believe there are currently a majority of the former on our state Supreme Court.

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Answered on 12/11/07, 7:42 pm
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: judiciary

The next time you post an exam question you should be more specific. In the state of Washington the Judiciary is accountable because they are elected every four years. How they are independent I'm not quite sure. The reverse could be said about our US Supreme Court.

At your service,

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Answered on 12/10/07, 4:59 pm


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