How are judges chosen in Rhode Island—and is the process really based on merit, or driven by political connections?
Our guests — Michael Yelnosky, professor and former dean of Roger Williams University School of Law, and John Marion MSL’20, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island — unpack how judges are chosen in Rhode Island and whether the system truly rewards excellence… or favors insiders.
Using a recent Providence Journal article by Katherine Gregg as a starting point — “How can you become a judge in RI? Start with political connections” — we discuss whether reforms intended to reduce patronage have lived up to their promise.
Highlights:
11:30 History of Picking Judges: Now vs. Before 1994
23:45 Upset About Judge Selection? Here's How to Speak Out
27:29 What Are Magistrates? Understanding Their Role and How They're Appointed
36:23 In RI, Knowing Everyone — Should That Disqualify Judge Selectors?
Resources:
“How can you become a judge in RI? Start with political connections.”
Bios
Prof. Michael Yelnoksy: https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/michael-j-yelnosky
John Marion MSL’20 https://law.rwu.edu/student-life/stories/exactly-what-i-needed
Common Cause Rhode Island
https://www.commoncause.org/rhode-island/about-us/
Judicial Nominating Commission
