Judicial Retention for Qualified Judges

11/09/2023

A word of thanks from Judge Cappelli’s biggest supporters.

11/08/2023

THANK YOU!

Thanks to you, our judges were retained for another term. Thanks to you, judicial excellence can continue. Thanks to you, experience remains on the bench in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. Judges Cappelli, Dozor, and Mackrides are deeply grateful for your support throughout this process and beyond.

It is an honor to serve this county, and the duty is not taken lightly. There is work to be done and because of you, it will be.

See you in court.

11/08/2023

If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time! Listen to Judge Cappelli’s granddaughter and go vote YES to retain Judge Dozor, Judge Mackrides, and him!

11/07/2023

From the Delaware County Bar Association:

“The DCBA supports the critical issue of retaining qualified judges and the indispensable role of judicial independence in our legal system. It is essential to remember the vital importance of these two interconnected aspects of the judiciary.

Retaining Qualified Judges:

Qualified judges are the bedrock of a just and effective legal system. Their deep knowledge of the law, extensive experience, and dedication to upholding justice within our communities are essential to maintaining the integrity of our courts. Here are a few key points on why retaining these qualified judges is imperative:

A Strong and Independent Judiciary: Retaining qualified judges ensures the independence of our judiciary, a fundamental principle of any democracy, as they can make decisions free from political pressure.

Consistency in Decision-Making: Experienced judges ensure uniformity and consistency in interpreting and applying the law, promoting predictability and fairness in our legal system.

Protection of Individual Rights: Judges are the frontline defenders of individual rights and civil liberties. Their expertise is crucial in safeguarding the rights of our citizens.

Legal Expertise: Judges with extensive legal knowledge are better equipped to handle complex legal issues, ensuring that the law is accurately interpreted and applied.

Public Trust: Public trust in the legal system is contingent on perceptions of fairness and competence. Retaining qualified judges helps maintain this trust, which is essential for the legitimacy of our judiciary.

Importance of Judicial Independence:

Judicial independence is not a mere ideal but a cornerstone of our democracy. It ensures that the judiciary acts as a check and balance on the executive and legislative branches. The following points underscore the significance of Judicial Independence ensuring that legal decisions are not subject to external pressures. Judicial Independence has many points that underscore its significance, but to name only a few:

Protection Against Political Influence: Judicial independence guards against political interference in legal decisions, preserving the judiciary's ability to hold the government accountable.

Impartiality: It guarantees that judges can make impartial decisions based on the law, without being swayed by partisan interests.

Accountability: An independent judiciary enhances accountability within the system, as judges can act as impartial arbiters in disputes between citizens and the government.

The Delaware County Bar Association strongly supports the retention of qualified judges and remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the independence of our judiciary. It is through these efforts that we can maintain the strength and integrity of our legal system, thereby upholding the core principles upon which our democracy is built.”

Click here to learn more about the judges running for retention:

If you have any questions about the Association, its activities, or membership, please contact us at 610-566-6625. Become part of an organization that has been the destination for legal resources in Delaware County for over 140 years.

11/07/2023

ELECTION DAY IS HERE!

Vote YES for retention.

10/28/2023

https://www.delcotimes.com/2023/10/25/letter-lawyer-rebuffs-delaware-county-dems-on-retention-vote/?fbclid=IwAR00ZWVBsZ7naGtamNv84Pmi4qQLYx7cUm2Vs_9s0xqFmTkTjxvIPLbHEfw_aem_AUJs09co5onG6Jgoq_7pD_63B1X5WtA5w98ZP7yHj-mfqzGn39ZAuEWUDuur0X2qG3U

Judicial retention was designed to remove politics from the process, writer says.

10/28/2023

Read our partner Mark A. Sereni’s letter to the editor in support of preserving judicial independence in Delaware County’s upcoming November 7th judicial retention vote:

DATE: October 24, 2023

FROM: Mark A. Sereni, Esquire
President, Delaware County Trial Lawyers Association

We are the Delaware County Trial Lawyers Association. We are a non-partisan group of courtroom attorneys who fight for what’s right for members of our Delco community against massive corporate conglomerates and powerful insurance companies. Our mission includes defending our Pennsylvania Constitution and preserving the independence of our judiciary.

Consistent with our mission, we strongly support the non-political, merit-based judicial retention system established by our Pennsylvania Constitution. Judges who are up for retention have already served as a judge for at least ten years and have established a clear record of judicial performance. They are not running in a political election against another candidate; they are simply seeking our “YES” vote to be retained as a judge for another ten years based on merit, not politics. Any successful attempt by politicians to do an end run around this non-political, merit-based constitutional process would badly stain our Constitution and destroy the integrity of our independent judicial system.

Based on their individual merit and not politics, we strongly support the retention of all three Delco judges up for retention on November 7th – Judges Cappelli, Dozor, and Mackrides – and highly recommend a “YES” vote for each. During their (at least) ten years of judicial service, they have proven themselves to be superb judges who are fair and impartial, compassionate, and selflessly devoted to doing what is right by our Delco community.

10/23/2023

We are grateful for the Delaware County Bar Association’s support of judicial retention.

10/20/2023

Delco FOP Lodge 27 proudly supports Judicial Retention for Qualified Judges

10/20/2023