Resources

ARTICLES

"Can Judges Be Bought?," Parade Magazine, 3/8/09
Parade feature on the Caperton case with Charles Hall, of Justice at Stake, interview. Online poll included.
"Justices Consider When a Judge Should Bow Out," Washington Post, 3/4/09
Robert Barnes recaps some of the arguments at today's hearing.
"Supreme Court case with the feel of a best seller," USA Today, 2/16/09
Joan Biskupic profiles the case, which includes a new nationwide poll on public attitudes toward judges ruling on matters involving campaign supporters.
"Benjamin talks issues facing W.Va. court," Legal Newsline, 1/21/08
Chief Justice Benjamin gives an interview on many issues, including the Massey case.

AUDIO/VIDEO

ABC Primetime's report on the Caperton/Massey dispute.

Click here to view more audio and video

REPORTS

"New Politics for Judicial Elections" Reports: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006

New Politics 2004/West Virginia Link

“Fair Courts: Setting Recusal Standards,” April 1, 2008, James Sample, et al, Brennan Center for Justice

“The Best Defense: Why Elected Courts Should Lead Recusal Reform,” Brennan Center for Justice, June 1, 2007

ABA Report on Recusal

How Each State Selects Supreme Courts (PDF)

One-Page Caperton v. Massey Fact Sheet (PDF)

Brennan Center for Justice Caperton Resource Page. This invaluable page contains an extensive history of the case, including all major briefs, and links to press, commentary and reports on recusal.

NOTABLE QUOTES

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Feb. 24, 2008, Parade Magazine commentary:

I am anxious about the state of the judiciary in America. I am not concerned about particular judges or cases, nor am I concerned about the judiciary shifting right or left. What worries me is the manner in which politically motivated interest groups are attempting to interfere with justice.

Justice O’Connor, Nov. 15, 2007, Wall Street Journal commentary:

Motivated interest groups are pouring money into judicial elections in record amounts. Whether or not they succeed in their attempts to sway the voters, these efforts threaten the integrity of judicial selection and compromise public perception of judicial decisions.