Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors Continues to Support Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission

All OBA members should be aware of some proposed changes currently under consideration by the Oklahoma Legislature. These changes, if adopted, could impact access to justice and regulation of the practice of law should the measures advance this spring and be ratified by a vote of the people.

SJR 6 has cleared a Senate committee and is on its way to a full vote of the Senate. This measure, if enacted, would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to eliminate the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). An appellate judge or justice vacancy would thereafter be filled by the governor’s nomination of a single candidate to be confirmed by the Senate. Appellate judges and justices would continue to be limited to six-year terms subject to retention ballots. Moreover, a costly special session would be required if the Legislature were not in session at the time of the governor’s nomination. SJR 6 does not propose a process to fill district court vacancies outside election cycles.

The OBA Board of Governors stands firm in its continued endorsement of the JNC-based model of judicial selection. Our unwavering position since its inception in 1967 is that the JNC provides the best, most cost-effective model for ensuring an independent, impartial and unbiased judiciary. For nearly 60 years, following a shameful judicial bribery scandal, the JNC has demonstrated that it is best suited to safeguard the promise of justice for all in our state’s legal system.

I encourage all lawyers to read the proposed measure and form your own opinions. Consider beginning a conversation with your local elected representatives on this and other topics. The upcoming OBA Day at the Capitol presents an opportunity to do just that. I hope you will join us at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, as OBA members walk to the Capitol to meet one-on-one with lawmakers. Registration is now open, so please make plans to attend.

If you can’t make it but would like to support the JNC in other ways, consider contacting your local representatives by phone or email to discuss SJR 6. Find your local senator here and find information about the Oklahoma House of Representatives here.