Merit Retention Poll Rating Considerations
Instructions included with the poll sent to Bar members offer attributes that should be carefully considered in rating each incumbent. They include:
- QUALITY AND CLARITY OF JUDICIAL OPINIONS. Are opinions written with clarity? Are they logical? Do they dispose of the issues addressed? Can they be readily used to advise clients?
- KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW. Familiarity with and working knowledge of the rules of procedure and the statutory and case law of the state of Florida, as well as possession of adequate foundation in legal methods and principles.
- INTEGRITY. Intellectual and moral honesty; absolute reliability; sincerity.
- JUDICIAL TEMPERAMENT. The capacity to exercise the qualities of patience, tolerance and forbearance that will ensure self-control while searching for truth in the presence of distractions.
- IMPARTIALITY. The ability to conduct official duties without regard to personal knowledge or personal feeling toward counsel or litigants.
- FREEDOM FROM BIAS/PREJUDICE. Having no mental leaning or inclination for or against people by reason of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, creed or geographic origin, or for or against an expressed ideology.
- DEMEANOR. Conduct that reflects an appreciation of the great prestige of judicial office.
- COURTESY. Showing an attitude of respect for people.