NCJ Number
93138
Date Published
1981
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The bar poll has been the most extensively used means for evaluating the performance of the judiciary, but the technique requires certain improvements as well as adequate financial support.
Abstract
The earliest bar polls were straw votes aimed at gauging the bar's preference for particular judicial candidates prior to judicial elections. Current polls are usually conducted to rate a judge's performance according to certain predetermined critera. In addition, many polls have been conducted on the assumption that the results would directly influence of sitting judges. Although most bar associations poll only their members, many also try to select knowledgeable respondents such as lawyers who have recent trial exposure to a particular judge or who are familiar with the judge's written options. While some bar polls simply rate judge's general qualifications for office, other polls also rate technical qualifications, work capacity, and character traits. Most polls also include evaluation critera relevant to the courtroom setting, including diligence, punctuality, and trial management. To assure goals appropriate to the sociolegal environment of the relevant jurisdiction, professional expertise is needed in the design and use of the survey instrument and in the tabulation and analysis of the results. The use of press conferences, press releases, and conferences between the bench and the bar can encourage the proper dissemination of poll results. An annotated bibliography lists 16 references.