How to Move to Merit Selection in Pennsylvania

Changing from an elective system to a merit selection system for judges requires a constitutional amendment. This is a lengthy process, which requires both action by the legislature and approval by the public.

Step 1 -- First passage by the state legislature

The state legislature must pass a bill to amend the constitution in two consecutive legislative sessions. Each legislative session runs for two years. To comply with guidelines requiring publication of proposed constitutional amendments, passage must occur during the 2011-2012 session.

Step 2 - Second passage by the state legislature

Second passage must occur during the following legislative session, which runs from January 2013 through December 2014.

Step 3 - Public Referendum

Following second passage in the legislature and second publication of the proposed amendment, a public referendum, yes/no vote on amending the constitution must be held. The timing of this referendum depends on when second passage occurs. The earliest a public referendum could be held is Fall 2013.

Only the people of Pennsylvania can determine whether we amend the constitution to move to merit selection.

Only a majority yes vote in the referendum will result in an amendment to the constitution. If you support merit selection in Pennsylvania, please complete and return the Supporter Form.

2011 PMC and PMCAction Annual Report

PMC Educational Video on Merit Selection

JudgesOnMerit.org

Click here to visit our blog devoted to merit selection efforts in Pennsylvania.

Judicial Discipline System

To read PMC's Report and recommendations for improving the Judicial Discipline System, click here.

The Court System

For questions about your local courts and court procedures, use our county court finder to find contact information for the offices who can best answer your questions.

Navigating -- or Getting Through -- the Pennsylvania Courts

For questions about what happens during a court case, court procedures, and the litigation process, visit our new Guide for Court Users.

Jury Duty

For questions about jury duty, visit our jury duty guide.  To find your county jury services office, click here.

The Status of Merit Selection Efforts in Pennsylvania

To learn about efforts and progress toward changing the way we select judges in Pennsylvania, visit our merit selection page.

Upcoming Judicial Elections in PA

To learn more about the current judicial elections in Pennsylvania, visit our Current Pennsylvania Elections page.

PMCAction.org

Click here to visit the website of our affiliated organization, PMCAction.org