Special Interest Groups In The Judicial System

An impartial Judicial System is a legal platform where citizens are judged based on the facts and the law. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “the most sacred of the duties of a government is to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens.” Judges who preside over cases must have full authority and freedom to make impartial verdicts. The decision of the court can not be skewed by public opinion. A judge must segregate himself from the public so that he is not influenced by the views of special interest groups. The most difficult bias a judge must stand clear of is his own personal beliefs. Each of these three areas open opportunities were a judge’s impartiality could be compromised and thus not allowing a citizen the right to a fair trial.

A judge is a very powerful figure whether it is at the city, county, state or federal level of government. No matter their jurisdiction, a judge must not allow himself to be influenced by public opinion. The effect of public opinion can cause the judge to be biased and have their mind made up before they even step into the court room. In a high profile case, protestors may rally and picket outside the courthouse, tension can be great and judges must not let the stress weigh on their final decision. Judges must maintain their focus on facts of the case and the law and not let

Special interest groups are organizations that act solely on the behalf of just their own constituents. Their opinion is very slanted and narrow. Members of these organizations pretty much have their mind made up on a subject and are reluctant to hearing the opinion of others. Their anger and rage often manifest into threats and can be extremely intimidating. Judges and their families must be sheltered, protected, and kept at arms length from potential altercations by groups with malice intent. Judges must not let special interest groups affect their ability to be