THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502150030
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
I would like to correct two glaring errors contained in ``A judicious move'' (editorial, Feb. 7).
First, the possibility of a judicial evaluation program is in the process of being studied by a committee of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association, which includes several state judges. It is not yet in place.
Second, and more important, the purpose of the judicial evaluation is not to ``help judges please their customers - the lawyers,'' but rather to assist the judges in their professional development and self-improvement in order to better serve the public.
The legal system, of which the judiciary is a large part, was established for the benefit of the people in the community. Judges serve the public, lawyers serve their clients.
When the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association Executive Committee pondered over whether or not a judicial-review study should even be considered, the question arose as to whom we were trying to help, ourselves or the public. The unanimous conclusion was ``the public,'' and so the study was undertaken.
The fact that ``Norfolk judges are not fighting the idea'' speaks well of our Norfolk judges. They understand the value and benefit of such a review program and how it may improve their ability to serve. That is the bottom line and their motivation in accepting the constructive criticism which will be found in the evaluation forms.
BARRY KANTOR, president
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association
Norfolk, Feb. 7, 1995 by CNB