In 1995, the state passed a couple laws to help rein in the effects of that spending. Under the laws, if a judge has received campaign contributions from a party in a case (the limits are $2,000 for circuit judges and $4,000 for appellate judges), then the opposing party can force the judge to recuse himself from the case.
But now, some Alabama residents are accusing judges of ignoring the laws. A lawsuit has been filed against the state for failing to enforce the laws.
Earlier this year, I wrote an article in Governing about the increasing politicization of judicial races, and the skyrocketing costs of them. Critics of these trends say the increased spending is leading to a judiciary dependent on -- and beholden to -- special interests.
Laws like the ones in Alabama are one way to address the influence of money. But not if they're not enforced.
