Voters! Finish the Ballot!
Use the following summary and report by the Commission on Judicial Performance Review (JPR) to Finish the Ballot! The JPR Commission was established by voters to evaluate judges’ performance during retention elections. While judges initially are appointed, this report can help you decide whether these judges meet judicial performance standards and should be retained. Which judges appear on your ballot depends on your county and the court on which the judge serves. By using this report to finish your ballot, you will help ensure Arizona’s strong and impartial judiciary!
Some Arizona judges are appointed through Merit Selection and rated by the JPR Commission.
Merit Selection and Retention
In 1974, Arizona voters decided that for Arizona’s Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Superior Courts in counties with populations over 250,000 (currently Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal) judges would be appointed by the Governor from a list of qualified candidates. The Arizona Constitution directs commissions to nominate candidates based primarily on their merit, with consideration given to the diversity of Arizona’s population. Arizona voters then periodically vote whether to retain these judges as their terms expire. This system is known as Merit Selection and Retention.
JPR Commission Evaluations & Report
Created by a constitutional amendment, the 32-member JPR Commission conducts standards-based performance evaluations of judges. Most of the JPR Commissioners are public members, not lawyers or judges. JPR reports its results to the public. This report provides JPR Commission findings, survey results, and states whether each judge in a retention election “meets” or “fails to meet” judicial performance standards.
Judicial Performance Standards
The JPR Commission evaluates each judge up for retention election to assess the judge’s:
• Legal Ability: Decides cases based on applicable law, demonstrating competent legal analysis.
• Integrity: Free from personal bias. Administers justice fairly, ethically, and uniformly.
• Communication Skills: Issues prompt and understandable rulings and directions.
• Judicial Temperament: Dignified, courteous, and patient.
• Administrative Performance: Manages courtroom and office effectively. Issues rulings promptly and efficiently.
Public Input Throughout the Process
This year, as every election year, the JPR Commission sought public input from citizens who have had direct experience with judges and made its decisions using that input. In 2015, 64,000 surveys on judges were distributed to attorneys, jurors, litigants and witnesses. The JPR Commission held public hearings open to anyone wishing to speak about the judges up for retention this year. The JPR Commission accepts signed, written comments about merit-appointed judges at any time.
Use JPR Results and Checklist
Every voter can take an active role in this judicial review process. Use this JPR summary and report to guide your votes for judges up for retention. After reviewing a judge’s information, mark “Yes” or “No” next to the judge’s name on the Judge Checklist tear-off sheet in this pamphlet. Refer to your checklist to Finish Your Ballot!
Visit www.AZJudges.info for more information.
Contact the Commission on Judicial Performance Review: (602) 452-3311 or email [email protected]