So how much do politics play a role in the decisions that judges render in trial court furlough lawsuits?
Of the 15 furlough lawsuit decisions rendered by six Superior Court judges so far, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has won nine, and unions and other dissenting entities have won six. Here's a chart of the rulings split up by party affiliation of the governor who appointed the judge:
|
|
Sided with Schwarzenegger |
Sided with union/ other party |
|
Judges appointed by a Republican governor |
7 |
1 |
|
Judges appointed by a Democrat governor |
2 |
5 |
|
Total lower court decisions |
9 |
6 |
Fairness alert: Any judge would say that he or she rules on the basis of the law, not personal political leanings or the party affiliation of the governor who appointed them. This blog isn't in a position to divine otherwise.
And a judge who ruled for Schwarzenegger in one case could rule against him in another because the arguments made in the second case might be completely different. Indeed, Judge Charlotte Woolard, a Pete Wilson appointee to the bench in 1995, did just that by siding with Schwarzenegger twice and with SEIU Local 1000 once.
You can click here to view a more detailed list of the lower court rulings, the judges and the governors who appointed them.
And our newest Furlough Fights spreadsheet, which lays out all the lawsuits, litigants and court locations, is available by clicking this link.
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