Chutes and Ladders: The CJP & CJA

In his latest column for Daily Journal, Manatt Appellate Partner wrote about the importance of California’s Commission on Judicial Appointments (COJA) and the Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) and the vital roles lawyers play in their operations.

COJA reviews and approves gubernatorial judicial appointments to appellate courts in public hearings characterized by supportive testimonies and near-unanimous approvals. CJP, an independent agency, investigates judicial misconduct and incapacity and can discipline judges through various measures, including removal.

“The role of lawyers in commission work should be obvious. First, provide feedback about candidates to the various groups that make reports to COJA. Second, report judicial misconduct to the CJP,” Shatz said. “Perhaps easier said than done, but, as The Washington Post’s slogan reminds us, ‘Democracy Dies in Darkness.’”

Daily Journal subscribers can read the full article .