Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Want to read a case that’s being argued at the US Supreme Court? Here’s a link to an amicus brief (or ‘friend of court’ filing) by judges from 10 states who argue that the Court should not throw out the rescue funds provision in public financing programs for judicial elections. The provision provides for the release of additional public money to qualified candidates, triggered at the point when spending by their opposition exceeds the limit the candidate agreed to honor. The Court will hear arguments from the parties in the case, which arises from a dispute about whether Arizona’s program is unconstitutional. The amicus brief aims to give an outsider’s prospective, in this case from judicial authorities who understand the risks of weakening voter-owned elections options. A press release explains the brief and the core of the argument begins on page 19 of the PDF file (page number 3 of the brief).