Directions: Assume you are appointed to a committee to determine what qualities should be used in selecting judges in your state. In Part A, review the list of qualities provided below the chart and categorize them under the most appropriate heading. After completing the chart, develop a definition for a "good" judge in Part B.

Qualities to Consider in a Judge

ESSENTIAL & FORMAL QUALITIES

DESIRABLE QUALITIES

UNDESIRABLE QUALITIES

UNNECESSARY QUALITIES

List of Qualities

Aggressive

Eminent legal scholar

Judicial experience

Risk-taker

Business background

Ethnic minority

Liberal

Rural background

Bilingual

Fair

Lobbyist

Self-reliant

Brilliant mind

Family-oriented

Loyal

Service to the public

Christian

Female

Male

Single parent

Civil rights activist

Feminist

Mediator

Strict constructionist

Clear thinker

Follows party line

Middle of the road

Strong communicator

Collegial

Good campaigner

Member of a gender specific group

Supports welfare

Concise writer

Good fundraiser

Old and wise

Tough on crime

Conservative

Good health

Opposes higher taxes

Traditional

Controversial

Good looking

Opposes school prayer

Trial Attorney

Defense oriented

Held public office

Pro death penalty

Trustworthy

Determined

Honest

Pro-environment

U.S. citizen

Democrat

Humane

Prosecution oriented

Well-educated

Distinguished lawyer

Impartial

Radical

B. What is your definition of a good judge [Give a three to four sentence response]?