Another Bad Way To Pick Judges
From the Chicago Tribune
For the second time in two years, the Illinois Supreme Court has filled an opening on the Cook County circuit bench with one of Justice Charles Freeman's former law clerks.
Jean Cocozza, tapped by Freeman and appointed by the full court in January, became a full Circuit Court judge — with a $59,000 bump in pay — despite having no experience as a courtroom attorney. She replaced a judge who'd been elected to the appellate court after serving a decade on the circuit bench.
Cocozza wasn't evaluated by the bar associations that scrupulously review judicial candidates before they appear on a ballot.
She wasn't screened by a committee, as are most other judges the Supreme Court considers for vacancies. Unlike most of his colleagues, Freeman doesn't have such a committee. It was his turn to pick.
Candidates to fill midterm Circuit Court vacancies are nominated by the Supreme Court justice representing that circuit and appointed by the full court. Cook County is represented by three justices who take turns making the recommendations.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Chicago Tribune
For the second time in two years, the Illinois Supreme Court has filled an opening on the Cook County circuit bench with one of Justice Charles Freeman's former law clerks.
Jean Cocozza, tapped by Freeman and appointed by the full court in January, became a full Circuit Court judge — with a $59,000 bump in pay — despite having no experience as a courtroom attorney. She replaced a judge who'd been elected to the appellate court after serving a decade on the circuit bench.
Cocozza wasn't evaluated by the bar associations that scrupulously review judicial candidates before they appear on a ballot.
She wasn't screened by a committee, as are most other judges the Supreme Court considers for vacancies. Unlike most of his colleagues, Freeman doesn't have such a committee. It was his turn to pick.
Candidates to fill midterm Circuit Court vacancies are nominated by the Supreme Court justice representing that circuit and appointed by the full court. Cook County is represented by three justices who take turns making the recommendations.
Read more in our daily News Update...