Electing Judges

Craig Enoch, a former Texas Supreme Court judge, wrote a commentary in the Austin American Statesman about why electing good judges matters. This commentary is directed to Texas citizens who are registered to vote. Enoch begins his argument by giving a comparison about how Texans seek information to find out about their children’s teachers or their doctors because these people impact their lives. He states this in the first paragraph and informs the reader that they should also research their judicial officers because they also make a difference in our lives. This is a good opening because it appeals to the readers’ logic and draws in their attention.

The basic argument is that people should make it a point to learn about their judges. Enoch argues that out of the 3 branches of government, that the judicial branch is the least understood. The author assumes that the audience has a basic understanding about the structure of our state government, how it works and what it does. He places value into the fact that the judiciary meets and makes important decisions about numerous topics, such as education, health care, and the economy. Enoch also uses numbers and surveys to illustrate his argument about how citizens vote for judges. With this being said, his argument is clear and easy to understand.

As mentioned above, Enoch uses many different ways to make his point to the readers. The use of facts and observations rather that feelings, appeal to one’s logic and help to make him a credible source.

I believe the argument is successful. The author convinces me to research our elected judges by giving me all the different ways in how these people affect my life. The commentary just reiterated to me that we should always make informed decisions about who/what we are voting for because the people are given this power or put in these positions can affect us greatly.