HARRISBURG (Oct.4, 2007) In just a few short weeks, voters will be deciding on
the retention of seven appellate judges and filling two vacancies on the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania and three vacancies on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
To better inform voters about the candidates in this statewide elections, the
Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission today re-issued its ratings
and descriptive paragraphs for all appellate judge candidates appearing on November 6
ballots.
Retention Candidates for Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth Courts of Pennsylvania
Because retention elections require only a "Yes" or "No" vote of
the public, the commission rates retention candidates either as "Recommended for
Retention" or "Not Recommended for Retention." The ratings for the
retention candidates are as follows:
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Justice Thomas G. Saylor Recommended for Retention
- Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge Joan Orie Melvin Recommended for Retention
- Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge John L. Musmanno Recommended for Retention
- Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge Correale F. Stevens Recommended for
Retention
- Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Judge Bonnie B. Leadbetter Recommended for
Retention
- Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Judge Bernard L. McGinley Recommended for
Retention
- Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Judge Doris Smith-Ribner Recommended for
Retention
The commission based its findings for each candidate on a two-part evaluation process.
Investigative panels conducted the first phase of the process, which included a thorough
review of the candidates completed questionnaire, an analysis of written opinions
authored by the retention candidate within the last three to five years, and interviews
with the retention candidate as well as judges and lawyers who have appeared before the
retention candidate. The panels then submitted confidential written reports to the
Commission outlining their preliminary, non-binding recommendations.
The Commission members reviewed the questionnaires and opinions as well as the
investigative panel reports, and where necessary, interviewed the panel chairs before
rendering its own evaluation and recommendation.
Candidates Seeking to Fill Vacancies on the Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth Courts
of Pennsylvania
Each candidate seeking to fill a vacancy on the appellate court is eligible to receive
a rating of "Highly Recommended," "Recommended" or "Not
Recommended" from the PBA JEC. The commissions ratings for these candidates are
as follows:
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Highly Recommended
Judge Maureen Lally-Green, Butler County
Judge Debra Todd, Allegheny County
Recommended
Judge Michael L. Krancer, Montgomery County
Judge Seamus P. McCaffery, Philadelphia County
Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Highly Recommended
Judge Cheryl L. Allen, Allegheny County
Christine L. Donohue, Allegheny County
Judge Ronald W. Folino, Allegheny County
Recommended
Judge Bruce E. Bratton, Dauphin County
Jackie Shogan, Westmoreland County
Judge John Milton Younge, Philadelphia County
Rating Definitions
The PBA JEC evaluates candidates and rates them using the following criteria:
Highly Recommended: The candidate possesses the highest combination of legal
ability, experience, integrity and temperament, and would be capable of outstanding
performance as a judge or justice of the court for which he/she is a candidate.
Recommended: Based on legal ability, experience, integrity and temperament, the
candidate would be able to perform satisfactorily as a judge or justice of the court for
which he/she is a candidate.
Not Recommended: Based on legal ability, experience, integrity or temperament,
or any combination thereof, at the present time, the candidate is inadequate to perform
satisfactorily as a judge or justice of the court for which he/she is a candidate.
The PBA JEC based its ratings for each candidate on a two-part evaluation process.
Investigative panels conducted the first phase of the process, which included personal
interviews with the candidates and with individuals who have had professional or personal
dealings with them. Upon completion of the investigative process, the panels submitted
confidential reports to the Commission. Upon receipt and review of the investigative
panels report, the Commission conducted the second phase of the evaluation process.
The Commission interviewed each candidate in Harrisburg, discussed his or her
qualifications and reached consensus on each candidates rating.
"The PBA JEC provides information to help voters choose candidates best suited to
serve as fair, impartial and knowledgeable judges," said Pittsburgh lawyer Chris F.
Gillotti, chair of the PBA JEC. "By its own definitions, the PBA JEC only recommends
potential candidates with the legal ability, experience, integrity and temperament to
provide satisfactory or outstanding performance as judges on our appellate benches."
Serving with Gillotti in the leadership of the PBA JEC is Erie County lawyer Steven E.
(Tim) Riley Jr. as vice chair. Lawyer members include Michael A. Bloom of Philadelphia
County; Frederick N. Egler Jr. of Allegheny County; Stephanie F. Latimore of Dauphin
County; Lucille Marsh of Lackawanna County; Heidi B. Masano of Berks County; Pamela J.
Mayer of Cambria County; John R. McGinley of Allegheny County; Dianne I. Nichols of
Dauphin County; Mark D. Shepard of Allegheny County; Kathryn Lease Simpson of Dauphin
County; and John F. Stoviak of Philadelphia County. Non-lawyer members are Esther Bush of
Allegheny County; Daniel A. Cirucci of Montgomery County; David W. Hamstead of Allegheny
County; Jeraldine D. Kozloff of Berks County; and R. Thomas Williamson of Lawrence County.
Descriptive paragraphs written by the commission for each candidate and the
commissions rating for each candidate are as follows:
Retention Candidate for Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Justice Thomas G. Saylor
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Justice Saylor was elected to the Supreme Court in 1997, after serving as a judge of
the Superior Court since 1993. His tenure on the Supreme Court has earned him the respect
of members of the Bar and his fellow justices for his intellect, honesty and temperament.
His well-written and well-researched opinions have generated a substantial amount of
consensus among the justices. His opinions are orderly, logical, thorough, highly
analytical and well reasoned. Justice Saylor is consistently described as
hardworking, diligent and highly professional. His peers regard him as a jurist of
integrity and excellent character. Justice Saylor currently serves as liaison to the
Supreme Court Appellate Rules Committee and the Supreme Court Orphans' Court Rules
Committee and is devoted to improving the quality of justice. Pennsylvanians have been
well-served by Justice Saylor, and his record of service, scholarly writings and
dedication to the law clearly demonstrate that Justice Saylor should be retained on
Pennsylvania's highest court for another term.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Retention Candidates for Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Judge Joan Orie Melvin
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge Melvin served on the City of Pittsburghs Municipal Court and then on the
Allegheny Court of Common Pleas before being elected to the Superior Court 10 years ago.
During her term on the Superior Court, she has been involved in the disposition of more
than 750 cases per year involving virtually all areas of the law. Judge Melvin is
recognized for her strong analytical and writing skills, and her opinions are well
reasoned and clearly written. She has shown her commitment to the administration of
justice by her involvement in the implementation of many innovative and effective programs
on the courts she has served. Judge Melvin has a solid record of community involvement and
is a frequent participant in Bar-related educational programs. She has gained the respect
of both her peers on the bench and the lawyers who appear before her. Her integrity is
unquestioned, and she has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the law and rules of court.
Because of her impressive record of service as a Superior Court judge, Judge Melvin has
earned the Commissions recommendation for a second 10-year term.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge John L. Musmanno
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge Musmanno was elected to the Superior Court in 1997 after having served as a judge
of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas since 1981. During his tenure on the
Superior Court, he has shown a keen interest in improving the administration of justice in
the commonwealth and the efficient use of court systems and procedures. In that regard, he
is an active member of the Case Management Committee and is the liaison for the
courts mediation program. He served on the Judicial Conduct Board from 2001 to 2005
and is presently on the Court of Judicial Discipline. He is highly regarded for his
intelligence, courteousness, fairness, judicial temperament and professionalism. Lawyers
who appear before him find him well prepared, attentive and able to get to the heart of
any issue. Judge Musmannos opinions are thorough and reasoned. He is held in high
esteem by his judicial colleagues. Judge Musmanno has clearly has demonstrated all of the
qualities necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of an appellate judge during his
initial term and the Commission recommends his retention.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Correale F. Stevens
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge Stevens was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in 1997. Prior to his
election, he served as a trial judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County for
seven years. In 1987, he was elected district attorney of Luzerne County and he served
four terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1980 to 1988. Judge
Stevens is held in high esteem throughout the legal community and is known for
consistently being thoroughly prepared, polite, courteous and fair. His legal opinions are
well reasoned, clearly written and demonstrate a broad knowledge of the law. His
administrative abilities are evidenced by his service as chair of the Technology Committee
of the Superior Court. Judge Stevens has an exceptional record of community and
professional involvement. Through his service, he has shown an unquestionable devotion to
enhancing the quality of justice. Because of Judge Stevens work ethic, respect of
his peers and devotion to the quality of justice, the Commission recommends his retention
as a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Retention Candidates for Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Judge Bonnie B. Leadbetter
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge Leadbetter has served as a judge of the Commonwealth Court since 1996, having
been appointed that year and elected to a ten-year term beginning in 1997. Before serving
on the bench, she was an assistant district attorney, assistant United States attorney,
counsel to an insurance company, judge pro tempore of the Philadelphia Court of Common
Pleas, and in private practice. Judge Leadbetter is recognized for her high level of legal
ability, sound judgment, courteous manner and appropriate judicial temperament. Her
well-reasoned and well-written opinions reflect her thorough understanding of the facts
and trial court record under review. The judge is very active in the legal community and
participates frequently in continuing legal education programs for lawyers. Her integrity
and personal character are beyond reproach. Her recent selection as president judge of the
Commonwealth Court is testament to the respect, confidence and support her colleagues on
the court have in her considerable abilities. The Commission finds Judge Leadbetter as
clearly deserving of retention for another term as a member of the Commonwealth Court.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Bernard L. McGinley
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge McGinley was elected to the Commonwealth Court in 1987 and was retained by the
voters for a second term in 1997. Previously, he served as an assistant district attorney
and as a judge of the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas. He was commissioned as a second
lieutenant in the Army Reserve Medical Corps in 1970 and achieved the rank of captain. He
is uniformly praised for his judicial temperament, demeanor, fairness, intelligence and
dedication to the law. Judge McGinleys written opinions address a broad spectrum of
legal issues and are well reasoned and demonstrate a clear understanding of the facts and
applicable law. He treats lawyers fairly and courteously and is held in the highest regard
for his legal knowledge and analytical abilities. He has demonstrated the highest level of
integrity in his personal and professional life. His work ethic, scholarship, excellent
character and commitment to enhancing the quality of justice clearly warrant a
recommendation for his retention as a member of the Commonwealth Court.
Read
the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Doris Smith-Ribner
Rating: Recommended for Retention
Judge Doris Smith-Ribner has been a member of the Commonwealth Court since 1988.
During her terms on the Commonwealth Court, Judge Smith-Ribner has earned a reputation as
a dedicated, hard-working and diligent jurist possessing a scholarly mind and an
even-handed approach to the administration of justice. She asks thoughtful questions
during oral argument, is respectful of counsel during argument and is consistently well
prepared and thorough in her analysis and treatment of the issues presented to her. Judge
Smith-Ribner is known and respected for her keen understanding of legal principles and her
thorough understanding of the rules of Commonwealth Court. She is an able and
innovative administrator as evidenced by her development of a very successful Commonwealth
Court mediation program and her service for 13 years on the Pennsylvania Judicial Auditing
Agency, including as chairperson of the agency from 1999 to 2004. She also has an
interest in the mentoring of new lawyers as evidenced by her development of a nationwide
judicial externship/clerkship program that places students with federal and state court
judges throughout the country. Judge Smith-Ribner is held in high esteem by her judicial
colleagues and the courts staff. Her character and integrity are of the utmost
quality, and she is devoted to deciding the issues presented to her court quickly and
efficiently. Judge Smith-Ribner has earned the Commissions recommendation for
retention on the Commonwealth Court.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Candidates for Vacancies on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Judge Michael L. Krancer
Rating: Recommended
The Candidate recently served on the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB), a
statewide trial court for environmental litigation. He was appointed to that board as a
judge in October 1999 and confirmed by the Senate and elevated to chief judge in 2003. In
2005, he was reappointed and again confirmed by the Senate. The Candidate was a litigator
in Philadelphia from 1983 until his appointment to the EHB. The Candidate possesses an
excellent work ethic; he is scholarly, thoughtful, hard working and passionate about the
law. His opinions are complete and authoritative and have been well accepted by the
appellate courts. He enjoys an excellent reputation and has been actively engaged for many
years in public service and community involvement. The Commission believes that the
Candidates experience, demeanor and temperament, coupled with his intellect and work
ethic, render him competent to fulfill the demanding responsibilities of a Supreme Court
Justice.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Maureen Lally-Green
Rating: Highly Recommended
The Candidate has served as a judge of the Superior Court since 1998, having been
appointed in 1998 and elected to a 10-year term beginning in January 2000. The Candidate
has a diverse legal background. She has been a professor at Duquesne University
School of Law and she has practiced law in the areas of securities, business and
corporations. She also has served as a research associate for the Supreme Court. She
has written extensively on a wide-ranging set of topics and her writings are scholarly and
thoughtful. The Candidate also has written a variety of opinions during her tenure on
the Superior Court that are noteworthy for their organization and structure and her clear
analysis of the issues and applicable precedent. Her opinions are well-reasoned and
provide very helpful guidance on difficult issues. In addition, her judicial
temperament and impartiality in decision-making are outstanding. She is known for her
fairness, courtesy and respect for counsel who appear before the Superior Court. The
Candidate also has an outstanding record of meaningful community service. The Commission
believes that the Candidate would be an outstanding addition to the Supreme Court and
highly recommends her.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Seamus P. McCaffery
Rating: Recommended
The Candidate has a wide range of experiences in the Pennsylvania legal system. He has
served in law enforcement and as a lawyer, municipal judge and now as a judge on the
Superior Court. His unique background and work experience affords him a solid
understanding and appreciation of the workings of the unified judiciary. This, combined
with his service as administrative judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court, makes him
well suited to serve as a member of our highest court. The Candidate has demonstrated a
life-long commitment to public service and is currently a Colonel in the United States Air
Force (Res.) and Air Force liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. The Candidate
offers a high level of energy and a strong work ethic. He is recognized for his strong
personality and is an innovative and creative problem solver. He has great respect for the
law, its institutions and traditions. He is committed to improving the publics
understanding and respect for the legal system and the courts. The Commission believes
that the Candidate has the requisite legal ability and skills necessary to serve as a
Supreme Court Justice.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Debra Todd
Rating: Highly Recommended
The Candidate has served on the Pennsylvania Superior Court since her election in 1999.
On the court, she is known for her passion for the law, her academic approach to decision
making and her thoughtful, thorough scholarly opinions. She brings a breadth of experience
from an active civil litigation practice, which has been expanded because a majority of
her time on the court is devoted to criminal matters. She has continued her involvement in
a variety of community service endeavors, especially those dealing with young people. She
has a strong commitment to the law and to the improvement of the court system, both of
which have helped instill public awareness of and confidence in the judiciary. The
Commission believes the Candidate has the intellectual ability, personal integrity, strong
sense of fairness, and diverse practical and academic experience to serve with distinction
on the highest court. She is highly recommended for this position.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Candidates for Vacancies on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Judge Cheryl L. Allen
Rating: Highly Recommended
The Candidate compiled 15 years of experience in various aspects of the law before
beginning service as a common pleas court judge in 1990. From 1991 to 2004, during her
tenure in juvenile court, she developed and implemented innovative programs to improve the
functioning of that court and to address the needs of the children and parents involved in
that setting. She spearheaded a drive to direct juvenile offenders to a path of
productivity through education. She has a well-earned reputation as a productive,
principled and dedicated jurist who decides cases with fairness and impartiality. She has
earned the admiration of the bench and bar for her ability to manage large caseloads, and
she is recognized by the bench and bar to be intelligent, experienced, articulate and
fair. A lifelong public servant, she has demonstrated her responsiveness to the needs of
the community and the justice system. The Candidate is well prepared to ascend to the
Superior Court. She is highly recommended by the Commission.
Read
the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Bruce E. Bratton
Rating: Recommended
The Candidate was appointed to the common pleas bench in 2001 following 25 years of
active practice in the areas of real estate, estate planning, family law and general
litigation. He was then elected to a 10-year term, commencing January 2002. He has
established a reputation as a bright, hard-working and intelligent jurist who is
conscientious, fair minded and courteous to those who appear before him. His
opinion-writing talents are well recognized, and he has taken the lead in developing new
procedures in the Dauphin County court. He has been active in community affairs. His
experience as a practicing lawyer and his reputation as jurist confirm that he is to be
recommended for a seat on the Superior Court.
Read
the Candidates questionnaire.
Christine L. Donohue
Rating: Highly Recommended
The Candidate has distinguished herself as a practicing attorney with extensive civil
trial and appellate court experience. She demonstrates a wealth of knowledge about the
Superior Court and has served in a quasi-judicial role on the Disciplinary Board of the
Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline. The
Candidate has been active in many professional organizations, notably the Pennsylvania
Board of Law Examiners from 1990 to 1996, serving as its chair for two years. She also has
extensive community involvement and has taught both professional and lay audiences. Her
colleagues describe her as intelligent, conscientious and objective and credit her with
having outstanding character. Her legal writings are well-reasoned, well-organized and
demonstrate the legal ability to serve with distinction on the Superior Court. She is
highly recommended by the Commission.
Read
the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge Ronald W. Folino
Rating: Highly Recommended
The Candidate has been a member of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County since
January 1994. While on the court, he has served in the family division and the civil
division and has presided over a broad array of matters. The Candidate is highly regarded
for his legal knowledge and intellect by the judges who serve with him on the bench and
the lawyers who practice before him. The lawyers in Allegheny County have consistently
given the Candidate the highest marks for impartiality, legal ability, diligence and
temperament. He has an excellent reputation in the legal community for his calm demeanor,
fairness, honesty, integrity and impartiality. He demonstrates a strong devotion to the
law. He is hard working and has actively participated as a lecturer in various aspects of
the law. His legal opinions are reasoned, thorough and well-written. He demonstrates a
strong commitment to community service. He clearly possesses the requisite intellect,
scholarship, character and integrity to serve with distinction on the Superior Court and
the Commission highly recommends him for this position.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Jackie Shogan
Rating: Recommended
The Candidate has practiced law since 1990. She has extensive experience in the area of
health law and currently teaches a legal course on appellate practice. She served as a
clerk and staff attorney in the federal district court for the western district of
Pennsylvania. Since 2002, her practice has focused on complex civil litigation and
appellate work. She demonstrates significant skills in articulating her positions and
writes in a clear and well-organized fashion. She is known for her intelligence,
diligence, work ethic and pro bono activities. She has a strong record of community
involvement and is known for her devotion to public service and personal integrity. She
has a keen interest in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. The Commission
believes that the candidate possesses the requisite legal and intellectual ability to
serve on the Superior Court.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Judge John Milton Younge
Rating: Recommended
The Candidate has served as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial
District in Pennsylvania since 1995, dealing with a heavy workload and a wide variety of
cases, both civil and criminal. He has a demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and
fairly with lawyers and litigants and has a real commitment to both the process and
substance of justice. Prior to serving as a judge, the Candidate served as staff counsel
to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and also had a solo practice. He appropriately
describes himself as a career public servant. The Candidate has a solid track record of
community involvement, as well as past service with the Pennsylvania Conference of State
Trial Judges, including service as its president. The Commission believes that the
Candidate is competent and hard working, and he possesses the judicial skills and legal
ability necessary to serve as a Superior Court Justice.
Read the Candidates questionnaire.
Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice,
professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal
system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members
of the association.
|