Describe the Nevada's process of electing judges. Discuss the federal judicial process of appointing judges, whereby federal judges are nominated by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and serve for life.
Evaluate the 2010 Nevada ballot initiative that would have implemented a merit plan.
In 2010 Nevada voters failed to support a ballot initiative that would have amended the Nevada Constitution to create a merit-based judicial selection process. When any vacancy occurs, the Commission on Judicial Selection would nominate a list of candidates based on their experience and qualifications and provide the nominees’ names to the Governor and the public. The Governor would then appoint one of the nominees. After serving an initial term, a retention election would be held to allow the voters to decide if the judge should continue to serve.