WHEREAS, given the fundamental importance to the State of Minnesota of judicial independence and impartiality, the guarantee to every individual of a fair trial, before an independent and unbiased judge; the evolving constitutional framework for judicial elections; and the uncertainty surrounding the various proposals to reform the manner and means by which the judiciary is selected; and

WHEREAS, the MSBA Judicial Elections Committee and others require adequate time to complete their work regarding judicial selection and election, including a study of the advantages, if any, of alternatives to Minnesota’s current method of electing judges;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the MSBA recommends that the Legislature defer any action on legislation affecting judicial selection or election to allow time for further study.

-Approved by MSBA Assembly 12/9/05-