This post originally appeared at https://reforminggovernment.org/court-watch-judicial-philosophy/
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released another “Court Watch” primer on Friday, detailing how different judicial philosophies reach legal outcomes. The primer outlines how some judges rely on text, history, and tradition and how others rely on their personal “values” and beliefs about public policy.
WHY IT MATTERS: When judges follow the text, history, and tradition, they are tied down to concrete, objective principles that limit their discretion and force them to respect their appropriate role, which includes respecting the role of the governor and legislature to make policy choices as the political branches.
THE QUOTE:
“Judicial philosophy determines outcomes of cases involving the most pressing issues in our state,” said Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG. “How judges make decisions affects every facet of our daily lives; from how we go to work, send kids to schools, and enjoy our everyday lives.”
WHAT’S NEXT: State courts impact everyday Wisconsinites’ lives and IRG’s new Court Watch initiative will lead in educating on the importance of the judicial branch.
CourtneyGustafson