Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
A Comparative Analysis Of Judicial Selection Methods In Tennessee And Kentucky: Appointed V. Elected
Department
History
Additional Departmental Affiliation
Political Science
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis explores the relationship between judicial independence and judicial accountability by investigating the question of how selection methods shape state appellate court decisions. I conducted a case study using the states of Tennessee and Kentucky and the judicial selection methods of appointments and elections. I then conducted a sample of cases and did a comparative quantitative analysis of reversal records between the two states in the hopes of finding a statistical difference from my research. The debate between judicial selection methods is not a simple question and this thesis alone cannot provide the answer, but I hope that my research can provide useful data for future research so that state policy makers can make a responsible decision and resolve the conflict.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Dr. Brian Strow
Disciplines
History | Law and Politics | Legal Profession
Recommended Citation
Forsythe, Eileen M., "A Comparative Analysis Of Judicial Selection Methods In Tennessee And Kentucky: Appointed V. Elected" (2011). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 337.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/337
Included in
History Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Legal Profession Commons