Does the method of state judicial selection affect the recruitment of women and minority judges to the bench?
The effects of judicial selection methods on recruitment of women and minority judges generate controversy. Because minority information tends to be reported voluntarily, it is difficult to obtain accurate national statistics describing the number of women and minority judges. More complete information can be found at the appellate level rather than at the trial court level. The American Judicature Society (AJS) tracks percentages related to judicial selection and minorities and women for courts of last resort and intermediate appellate courts. For recent information, please contact AJS to request: “African-American Judges Currently Serving on State Courts of Last Resort and Intermediate Appellate Courts,” White Paper (1998). “Women Judges Currently Serving on State Courts of Last Resort and Intermediate Appellate Courts,” White Paper (1998). According to Charles Sheldon and Linda Maule, Choosing Justice: The Recruitment of State and Federal Judges (Pullman: Washington State University
