FBI stings a judge

[Peter1469]

FBI stings a judge (http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/fbi_created_phony_defendant_to_trap_judge_second_j udge_now_being_investigat/?utm_source=maestro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_email)

Presumably, the FBI had reason to believe this judge was corrupt. So they set up a sting operation.


To uncover potential judicial corruption, the FBI created a fake persona for an undercover agent; staged his arrest on gun charges; and then arranged for a judge’s campaign donor ask the judge for assistance. That municipal court judge then asked another judge to “help” the defendant, saying it was his “friend.”

[PolWatch]

Do we really need to have judges run for election? Isn't there some way to get qualified, fair judges on the bench without requiring they raise $$$ for campaigns like other politicians? I know appointing judges can end up just as corrupt but isn't there a better way?

[Peter1469]

I do think that judges should be appointed. Perhaps with some independent committee to vet candidates.