Frequently Asked Questions: Judicial Nominees Evaluation

What does the JNE Commission do to gather information about a proposed candidate?

The commission investigates all statements made in the candidate's Application for Appointment that the candidate submits to the Governor's office. In addition, confidential comment forms are sent to the following:

a. 50 to 75 names of persons provided by the candidate, who are reasonably likely to have knowledge of the candidate's qualifications (personal list);

b. a broad cross-section of the names of attorneys in the counties and the areas of law in which the candidate practices;

c. all judicial officers in each county where a candidate practices and seeks appointment, except for the County of Los Angeles;

d. at least 50 percent of all judicial officers if the candidate practices in the County of Los Angeles, and all judicial officers in any other county where the candidate seeks appointment;

e. all names listed in the candidate's Application for Appointment;

f. all justices of any appellate district where a candidate practices and all justices of the California Supreme Court;

g. all or at least 50 randomly selected prosecutors and criminal defenders, whichever number is less, in any county where a candidate practices criminal law and any other county where the candidate seeks appointment.

h. 75 names selected at random from the commission's mailing list.

The objective is to obtain a return of at least 50 Confidential Comment Forms that provide information that is sufficient and credible for a fair evaluation.