DrMaddVibe wrote:So you have to be on the bench forever to be qualified...uh...yeah...ok.
No.
I think the best path to be a FSC Justice is being a good trial lawyer (courtroom experience and above average working knowledge of trial law) followed by a stint as a Judge. Once the individual proves themselves as a Judge and shows the important qualities of an appellate justice, they should then move up to an appellate court. Once they prove themselves as a good appellate justice, they should be considered for the FSC.
Another good route would be for a good appellate lawyer to be placed on an appellate panel. When that person proves themselves as an appellate justice, he/she then should be considered for FSC.
Whenever someone "leap-frogs", there is a much greater risk of incompetence. When appointments are made based on politics, there is a greater risk of incompetence. When there is too great turnover, things won't work well.
These are supposed to be non-partisan elections and jobs. But, they are not. Ideally, money, politics and influence either way should have no place. Outside influence and the FRP have ruined this.