News

Pa. Supreme Court says it will investigate ‘systemic failures’ in Philly’s cash bail system

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

In an unusual move, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court says it plans to study “alleged systemic failures” in Philadelphia’s cash bail system. In an order issued Monday, the high court says it’s open to suggestions to improving the existing cash bail system, but “any attempt to advocate for the abolition...

Chairman of judicial nominating committee resigns, accuses Gov. DeSantis of 'invading autonomy' of nominating process

Friday, July 5, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- The chairman of a judicial nominating committee has resigned because he believes Gov. Ron DeSantis and officials in his office have "invaded the autonomy" of the process of selecting judges in Florida. Alan Landman, a Melbourne attorney who chaired the Judicial Nominating Commission...

PMC in the News: Westmoreland judicial candidates spent $750K through spring primary election

Monday, June 24, 2019

Trib Live June 24, 2019 The six candidates who ran for two open judicial seats on the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas spent more than $750,000 combined through early June. Campaign finance reports filed last week in Harrisburg detailed candidate spending and revealed the growing cost to...

‘I’ve completely betrayed your trust’: Corrupt ex-Bucks judge gets 6½ years in federal prison

Monday, June 10, 2019

The Inquirer 06-10-2019 A former district judge who extorted business owners for bribes, boasted of his ability to control the votes of other elected officials, and lorded over his working-class Bucks County township like an old-school political boss was sentenced Monday to 6½ years in federal...

PMC in the News: Your View: How bill would put an end to independent judiciary in PA

Thursday, June 6, 2019

The Morning Call By Maida Milone Pennsylvania is teetering on the brink of losing its independent appellate judiciary. Legislation that would ask voters to agree to Balkanize how our justices and judges are selected for Pennsylvania’s three statewide appellate courts is advancing though the General...