The United States has a wide range of judicial selection procedures. At the state level there are three main selection methods, by the legislature or executive, by an independent body, or through popular election procedures.
Partisan election processes raise some concerns.
A large percentage of funding for these campaigns comes from special interest groups or attorneys.
These practices are not adequately safeguarded by appropriate disclosure or contribution limits.
The American Bar Association has long been a supporter of merit selection by an independent body.
Attacks on Justice 2000 – USA (full text, PDF)