Despite Embarrassments, 100s of Judges Preside in New York Without Law Degrees

[Virginiá]

Despite Exposés and Embarrassments, Hundreds of Judges Preside in New York Without Law Degrees

https://www.propublica.org/article/hundreds-of-judges-new-york-preside-without-law-degrees

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And yet even when talk of reform comes up, they can't even commit to the idea of at least requiring a certain amount of education - particularly a law degree?

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What is going on in New York?

[SteveRogers]

We sometimes have similar problems in Texas since Justices of the Peace are not required to be lawyers. 'Tis silly.

[NewYorkExpress]

This is why having partisan elections for judges is a bad idea.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I wish I'd known a good gig had been so easy to get!

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

What is going on in New York?

You just noticed NY is one big problem child?  Lol.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

In South Carolina, county magistrates previously only had to have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam within one year of appointment. Since 2005 the educational requirement is a four year degree, and they must have observed at least ten trials, half criminal, half civil, prior to presiding in court.

Municipal judges only have to pass the certification exam.

[Simfan34]

I recall seeing about a dozen people, all running unopposed, on the ballot for judgeships here last November. I wrote in a few legal scholars and left the rest blank. I understand that they (that, is the Democratic nomination for the post) are largely handed out by borough party bosses as favors to allies and are in effect sinecures. Many of these bosses are lawyers and in turn can make a fortune representing clients in front of these judges whom they have in effect placed in office! A few have gone to jail for bribes, yes, but by and large the practice continues in more or less the same form as it did in the days of Tammany Hall.

I remember reading something about one such crony judge not too long ago, I forget where. This judge was a drunk who'd show up late to court and managed to get herself promoted to the state Supreme Court where she'd have stayed if not for decision to rave at some journalists one day for daring to take notes on the proceedings. It's the same story on Long Island, with the exception that the practice there is bipartisan; the divvying up of the seats is agreed in advance and many candidates receive cross-party endorsement.