An Exploration of Judicial Selection Methods of State High Courts

The Albany Law Review and Government Law Center at Albany Law School hosted a panel discussion exploring judicial selection methods for state high courts employed across the nation. Panelists discussed how judicial selection methods can affect judicial independence, accountability, diversity, and public confidence. Panelists also discussed issues that can arise during the selection process and potential solutions to address these issues. The panel took place via Zoom on October 10, 2023. Participants: Hon. Leslie E. Stein (ret.) ’81 (moderator) — Director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School and former Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals John F. Kowal — Vice President of Program Initiatives at the Brennan Center for Justice Prof. Chad Oldfather — Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School Prof. Noah Rosenblum — Assistant Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law David J. Sachar — Director of the Center for Judicial Ethics at the National Center for State Courts