Virginia House Bill HJR845

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Engrossed: 2/22/23
• Enrolled: 2/22/23
• Passed: 2/22/23

Caption

Judges; election in circuit court, general district court, etc.

Impact

The passage of HJR845 significantly impacts state laws governing judicial elections by establishing a standardized procedure for electing judges. With this resolution, the General Assembly aims to enhance the democratic process by ensuring that judicial positions are filled through elections that allow citizens to participate directly in selecting their judges. The bill addresses pending judicial appointments, thus maintaining the continuity and stability of the judiciary in the state.

Summary

HJR845 proposes a resolution for the election of judges to various circuit and district courts in the state, outlining specific terms and commencement dates for each judge's position. The resolution includes provisions for electing judges in several judicial circuits, including Circuit Courts and General District Courts, serving terms of eight and six years respectively. The bill's intention is to formalize the judicial election process and to fill a number of judicial vacancies, ensuring that the judicial system remains operational and effective across different jurisdictions in the state.

Contention

While the bill received unanimous support in the Senate with a vote of 40 in favor and none against, the discussions leading to this resolution likely involved debates on judicial independence and the importance of electing judges. Proponents of the bill argue that such elections promote transparency and accountability in the judicial system. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the potential influence of politics in judicial elections, questioning whether electing judges could compromise their impartiality and objectivity in the courts.