Among the controversial propositions up for consideration in November by state voters is an Arizona measure  that would virtually eliminate term limits for Arizona Supreme Court Justices,   Court of Appeals judges as well as  trial court judges in Maricopa, Coconino, Pima and Pinal counties.

Currently, Arizona supreme and appellate court judges have six-year terms and trial court judges serve for four years.  Prop. 137 would grant state judges indefinite terms. Only those convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or fraud; who file for bankruptcy or a mortgage foreclosure; or who receive a negative review from the Judicial Performance Review Commission would be forced to face a retention election.

Every legislator would have the power to prompt an investigation of any judge by sending the Commission a written accusation that the judge in question is engaging in a “pattern of malfeasance in office.”

The ballot measure stems from a political controversy related to abortion.   The Arizona Supreme Court upheld  a Civil War-era abortion ban and within weeks a group opposed to the ruling launched a campaign to unseat two justices on the Court who voted to uphold the ban  and are up for retention  If Prop. 137 passes, the two members  will be protected from removal.

The Arizona Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the proposition based on an argument the measure   illegally amended more than one part of the Arizona Constitution.  The Supreme Court concluded the contents of the proposal  made just one change.

The Arizona Judges Association at one time advocated for the measure.

However, retired Chief Justice Ruth McGregor, a former president  of   Association, spoke against Prop 137 at an event organized to oppose the proposition. Former Chief Justice Scott Bales and former Justice John Pelander spoke at the event as well.

 

Read more:

https://azmirror.com/2024/08/22/prop-137-voters-will-get-to-decide-whether-to-give-az-judges-virtual-lifetime-appointments/

https://www.kawc.org/news/2024-08-23/az-voters-can-decide-if-judges-should-get-life-terms

Arizona GOP Asks Voters to Nullify the Judicial Elections They’ll Be Voting On