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This paper is the first in a series of papers commissioned by the Federalist Society on the debate surrounding the leading methods of judicial selection in the states. In the paper, Professor Chris Bonneau of the University of Pittsburgh makes the case that partisan judicial elections are the best way to select state judges. Future papers in the series will make the case for commission-based appointment (the Missouri plan) and democratic appointment.  

Note from the Editor: The Federalist Society takes no positions on particular legal and public policy matters. Any expressions of opinion are those of the author. We welcome responses to the views presented here. To join the debate, please email us at info@fedsoc.org.