Dear editor:
State Representative Joe Webb recently criticized Wyoming’s judicial selection process, calling it secretive and too influenced by the legal community.
But as someone who has studied law and public policy for decades, I believe our current system is one of the most effective ways to protect the integrity of our courts.
Webb argues that “all citizens, not just legal insiders,” should have a say in selecting judges.
That may sound appealing on the surface — but what would it really mean in practice? It would turn judicial appointments into popularity contests, swayed by campaign money, political party pressure, and social media — not legal expertise or constitutional reasoning.
Wyoming’s current system, involving a Judicial Nominating Commission, was designed with a clear purpose: to insulate our courts from political influence.
The Commission carefully reviews qualifications, experience, and judicial temperament—factors that the average voter simply doesn’t have the tools or information to assess.
As someone who has served his country in uniform and values due process deeply, I believe our judiciary must remain impartial and focused on the rule of law.
Judges are not supposed to “reflect public opinion”; they are supposed to interpret the law fairly, even when it’s unpopular. That’s the very essence of justice.
Webb says the process lacks transparency, but confidentiality protects the independence of applicants.
Opening every detail to public scrutiny may discourage highly qualified individuals from applying, especially those who fear political retaliation or professional backlash.
Should we really want judicial applicants to campaign for votes? Should we allow party operatives to shape our courts the way they shape our legislatures?
That’s a dangerous road — and it’s one that threatens the foundation of our legal system: the guarantee of a fair, unbiased hearing before the law.
Due process isn’t a liberal or conservative issue — it’s a constitutional one.
Politicizing judicial appointments risks turning our judges into representatives of political factions, rather than protectors of individual rights.
Wyoming’s judicial system, while not perfect, is far more balanced and accountable than the alternatives some are proposing.
Let’s not throw away a well-functioning process in the name of political populism.
Sincerely,
Gary T. Coles, Uinta County
