What is the Judicial Selection Commission?

This week gubernatorial candidate Chris Sununu announced that he would continue the Judicial Selection Commission if elected governor.

His opponent, Colin Van Ostern, has already pledged to continue the commission.

The Judicial Selection Commission is a group of prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, elected officials, and private citizens tasked with reviewing applications for judicial appointments and recommending candidates to the Governor and Executive Council.

Without the Judicial Selection Commission, the Governor and Executive Council could appoint any judge they choose, without an application process.

Governor Jeanne Shaheen created the commission by Executive Order in 2000.  Governor Craig Benson did not use the commission.  Governor John Lynch and Governor Maggie Hassan both reestablished the commission while in office.

Supporters of the commission argue that it creates a merit-based selection for judges. This ensures that the best candidate, regardless of political connections, is appointed.

Sununu criticized the commission in the past, however.  He told the Concord Monitor the commission was “a select group of political favorites, if you will, that have some experience in law,” and suggested that he would rely on his own advisors instead. 

Do you support the Judicial Selection Commission?  Let us know in the comments.