James Edmondson, Noma Gurich, Yvonne Cowger

Staff
| Oklahoma Voice

Many Oklahoma judges face nonpartisan votes to keep the election on the Nov. 5 ballot. But attempts to remove three Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices attracted the most attention.

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James Edmondson

Current President

James Edmondson is among the Oklahoma Supreme Court justices facing an unusual campaign aimed at convincing voters in the Nov. 5 election to remove him from office.

Critics of the judges say: Edmondson was appointed by Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. Critics call the three “liberal activist judges.” They note that Edmondson has deemed a number of pieces of legislation supported by lawmakers and the governor to be unconstitutional. They also point to his advanced age as a reason not to retain him. If Edmondson is not retained, Gov. Kevin Stitt will be able to choose his replacement.

Judges’ supporters say: Edmondson takes a nonpartisan position and simply follows the law by striking down unconstitutional legislation. They are concerned that people are trying to politicize Oklahoma’s court system, which is supposed to serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches. Judicial ethics prohibits judges from campaigning unless there is active opposition.

Noma Gurich

Current President

Noma Gurich is among the Oklahoma Supreme Court justices facing an unusual campaign aimed at convincing voters in the Nov. 5 election to remove her from office.

Critics of the judges say: Gurich was appointed by Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. Critics call the judges “liberal activist judges.” They note that Gurich has deemed a number of pieces of legislation supported by Republican lawmakers and the governor to be unconstitutional. They also point to her advanced age as a reason not to keep her. If Gurich is not retained, Gov. Kevin Stitt will be able to choose her replacement.

Judges’ supporters say: Gurich takes a non-partisan position and simply follows the law by repealing unconstitutional legislation. They are concerned that people are trying to politicize Oklahoma’s court system, which is supposed to serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches and be apolitical. Judicial ethics prohibits judges from campaigning unless there is active opposition.

Yvonne Cowger

Current President

Yvonne Cowger is among the Oklahoma Supreme Court justices facing an unusual campaign aimed at convincing voters in the Nov. 5 election to remove her from office.

Critics of the judges say: Cowger was appointed by Democratic Governor George Nye. Critics call the judges “liberal activist judges.” They note that Cowger has found a number of pieces of legislation supported by Republican lawmakers and the governor to be unconstitutional. They also point to Cowger’s advanced age as a reason not to retain her. If she is not retained, Gov. Kevin Stitt will be able to choose her replacement.

Judges’ supporters say: Cowger takes a non-partisan position and simply follows the law by striking down unconstitutional legislation. They are concerned that people are trying to politicize Oklahoma’s court system, which is supposed to oversee the legislative and executive branches of government. Judicial ethics prohibits judges from campaigning unless there is active opposition.

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