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Commission to refresh background checks and include judicial-complaint histories and social-media screening
Summary
Commissioners agreed to updated background investigations for all seven applicants, including disciplinary records from the Judicial Conduct Commission and social-media screening by a vendor, to provide a fuller picture before interviews.
The commission agreed to update and broaden background investigations for the seven applicants rather than rely solely on prior reports. Chair Terry said the process includes lawyer-era disciplinary reviews and that the commission will “have the results of any judicial complaints against the sitting judges from the Judicial Conduct Commission” as part of the confidential background materials.
Terry also said the commission uses a vendor—Validity Screening Solutions—to conduct social-media background checks to assess how online activity might affect candidacies. Commissioners discussed assigning investigators so that at least one new reviewer examines each candidate’s materials; one commissioner said bringing in a new investigator “will broaden the base of knowledge for everyone.”
