Two Oklahoma legislators -- Mike Ritze and Mike Reynolds -- think they should be able to remove elected judges whose rulings they don't agree with. The two Republicans have filed legislation to give lawmakers the power to impeach judges and review and change criminal sentences.
We hope the two are in the minority on this one. Oklahoma's constitution, like the national document, provides for separation of powers. Additionally, voters in each of the judicial districts already have the power to remove judges.
Additionally, the state operates a Council on Judicial Complaints which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct. Council recommendations involve the governor, attorney general, Supreme Court, state House and Oklahoma Bar Association.
The two legislators are upset with two District Judges who gave light sentences to a child rapist and a child murderer. We don't condone those sentences but wouldn't want to scrap a system that has served us well for decades.
Lawmakers have no business venturing into the judicial arena. If they don't agree with a judge's record, voters in Pittsburg County and Tulsa County have the power to send them packing.
