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BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL
ELECTIONS TO INFLUENCE COURT SYSTEMS
In
my Summer Newsletter I referred to 4 decisions from the Georgia
Court of Appeals that showed why it may be important to start
taking judicial elections seriously. As we enter the Fall
Elections consider the following :
The
Preamble to the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct begins: "Our
legal system is based on the principle that an independent,
fair, and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the
laws that govern us."
In Georgia,
although Judges run in "non partisan" races, the
candidates seem to "politic" just like everyone
else. Hence, we have judicial candidates answering surveys
from political groups like the Christian Coalition, which
sent out litmus test type questionnaires , asking in essence,
"how would you rule on certain issues?" Another
Court of Appeals candidate advertises that he "left a
lucrative law practice to go into public service to fight
for tougher DUI laws", and disparaging the other two
candidates for working as defense lawyers.
Canon
7 states: "A candidate shall not makes statements
that commit or appear to commit the candidate with respect
to issues likely to come before the court, nor make pledges
or promises of conduct in office other than faithful and impartial
performance of duties." So, the question is:
Why should you vote for a judicial candidate if they do not
follow the Judicial Canons while campaigning?
Of course,
the Presidential race is important in many ways, including
the fact that the next President will probably get to appoint
at least 3 Supreme Court justices. These folks are appointed
for life! It's important to understand which President will
appoint judges who might agree with your position, whether
it be liberal, conservative or libertarian. Remember Supreme
Court justices have made past decisions affecting integration,
abortion, voting rights, privacy rights, and yes, even Presidential
elections.
So when you go to vote this fall, please understand that the
judicial and presidential races not only affect the economy
and the war in Iraq, but will affect the rest of our lives
AND our children's lives.
Practice dedicated exclusively to
defense of those accused of DUI, serious traffic offenses,
drug offenses.
770-923-4948
mickeygroberts@aol.com
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DID YOU KNOW? INFO
GATHERED FROM READING THE CONSTITUTION
Although
we declared our independence from Britain in 1776, it took
13 years for us to adopt the Constitution;
All
power comes from the "people", not government;
the Constitution "strictly limits" the power of
government, not vice versa.
The
first 10 Amendments to the Constitution were ratified 2
years after the Constitution. The 10th Amendment specifically
says the Congress only has those "powers" given
to it in the Constitution. All other powers are left for
the States. Nowhere in the Constitution were found the words,
"Social Security, income taxes, Medicare, Medicaid
, or entitlements.
Until
1913, Senators were appointed by the State legislatures;
citizens did not vote for Senators, although they did vote
for their Representative.
Electors
were appointed by the States, and the electors voted for
President and Vice President; the person getting the most
Electoral votes was President; 2nd place was the Vice President.
In fact, we still do not actually vote for President; we
vote for the Electors.
Until
1870, the right to vote could be limited by race; until
1920, women did not have the right to vote; until 1964,
voting rights could be denied for failing to pay polling
or any other taxes.
Until 1913, Congress did not have the power to tax income.
A
copy of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution
can be obtained form the Cato Institute at 1-800-767-1241
PANAMA
CITY BEACH CONDO AVAILABLE: Brand
new 2br, 2ba condo, Twin Palms, 17th floor, is available
for rent. Corner unit with great views of Panama City Beach
and surrounding area. Sleeps seven. Call me for more info.
770-923-4948
WHAT DO I DO
IF STOPPED BY THE POLICE??
For the answer, see my page on
"your legal rights" and print
out a copy to keep in your car!
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