30 most vicious John Oliver take downs
By Jeremy Dick
11. Asking why Americans have elections for judges
When Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore told judges in his state to ignore the federal law lifting Alabama’s safe sex marriage ban, it created a lot of controversy. It was only the latest in a string of the judge disregarding federal rulings, as if he were above the law. But, oddly enough, he remained a popular candidate in the upcoming elections.
John Oliver put Moore on blast on Last Week Tonight, begging the question as to why judges are elected in the first place. Apparently, the United States is virtually alone with this practice. This silly system has resulted in mass corruption, as judges can be bribed by accepting campaign money from lawyers and possible defendants.
Oliver points out that the right decision is not always the popular decision, which can be a dangerous thing for judges trying to get re-elected. Studies prove that judges always dish out harsher sentences in election season in order to appear tough on crime. It’s unfair and it’s downright wrong, but unfortunately that’s how it is. Judges should not be making decisions based on the popular opinion, but rather what is the rational and lawful thing to do.
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