The easiest part of the ballot: Vote to retain Fifth District Court of Appeal justices
The process California uses to elect appeals court jurists can be confusing. The justices running for new terms on the Fifth District Court of Appeal in downtown Fresno run unopposed but face a simple “yes” or “no” vote. If a majority votes “no,” it’s the end of the line for that judge.
The Bee recommends that the Fifth District justices on the Nov. 8 ballot be retained. All have been subjected to a rigorous screening prior to being appointed by the governor and confirmed by a three-person state commission. They are the best of the best as chosen by the legal community and the appointment/confirmation setup helps keep politics out of the process. Additionally, the court hears all cases with a three-judge panel to ensure fairness.
The Fifth District handles cases that are appealed from Superior Courts in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.
Three Fifth District justices are seeking new terms. Bert Levy joined the court in 1997. Brad Hill was appointed in 2006 and was elevated to presiding justice in 2010. Jennifer Detjen joined in 2010. Levy was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson. Both Hill and Detjen were appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Don’t fret over this part of the ballot. Each of these highly qualified judges deserve your “yes” vote.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow The Bee makes an election recommendation
The Fresno Bee’s Editorial Board interviews candidates for elected office, then discusses the merits of each before making a decision on whom to recommend.
The Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Juan Esparza Loera, opinion writer Tad Weber and McClatchy Central Valley Editor Don Blount.
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Why are recommendations unsigned?
Recommendations reflect the collective views of The Bee’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each recommendation editorial.
The decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races and are wholly separate from journalists who cover those races.
The Bee offers its recommendations as useful information for voters to consider.
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This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 12:39 PM.