Instruction
1. Identify and explain the current TEXAS law regarding the selection of most judges in Texas.
2. Identify and explain at least two other types of judicial selection processes used in the U.S.
3. Choose whichever judicial selection method you think is best and give at least two criteria
explaining how and why you made your choice. Possible criteria include: impartiality/independence, accountability and competence of judges.
4. Describe who may or may not benefit from the position you take in 3) above. Consider the impact on political parties, on justices and the individuals in the Texas court system. Also consider the impact in other areas, e.g., economic, political, social.
5. List at least two things you could do in order to engage the political process in Texas in pursuit of your position in 3) above, be specific.
6. Cite at least three (3) reliable, quality references within the body of the paper using the Chicago Manual of Style’s parenthetical citation style. One of the citations MUST come from the class textbook (-10 points if this is not done). You must have at least three parenthetical citations in the body of the paper that correctly match the sources properly formatted in the Works Cited Page.
7. A paper with no parenthetical source citations in its body will receive a grade of 0. A paper with no works cited section (a.k.a. list of reference list, a.k.a. bibliography) at the end of the body will receive a grade of 0.
FORMAT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Typed, 2-3 pages (not counting Works Cited Page), 12-point font, double-spaced.
2. Your name, my name, POSC 1113, and the date.
3. A title is required, but a separate title page is not necessary.
4. An introduction with a thesis/statement of purpose in the first paragraph: “This paper will…”
5. A logically organized and sequenced body followed by a clearly stated conclusion.
6. Use of the Chicago Manual of Style’s parenthetical citation format. Students must be very careful and pay attention to details when they examine and cite internet sources.
7. Use of footnotes or endnotes is prohibited.
8. Using encyclopedias, like Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, history.com, kids.law.com, etc. is prohibited (-10 points).
9. Use of word mixers like Spinbot is prohibited and will result in a grade of 0; no second chances will be allowed.