You are (hopefully) familiar with how America elects its leaders in the executive and legislative branches. But, what about the judicial branch?

At the federal level, the President appoints judges, and they must be confirmed by The Senate. As for the state level, well, that is for you to explain.

Select either any one U.S. State and describe how the state trial and appellate judges are selected. At a minimum, answer the following questions:

• Are these judges elected? Appointed? Some hybrid of both?
• Are the methods the same or different between trial and appellate judges?
• How long are the judges' terms?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of how the state selects judges?
• What is "The Missouri Plan," and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
• How does the state compare to "The Missouri Plan"?

As a manager or business owner, you may find yourself in a lawsuit, in the position to contribute to a judicial candidate's campaign or both. With this in mind, please answer the following questions:

• As an MBA student, do you think it's a good investment to donate to a judicial candidate's campaign? Is it an ethical investment? Why or why not?
• Does this make you more or less inclined to litigate versus settle? Why or why not?
• Does your state's method of selecting judges give you more or less confidence in how to run a business? Why or why not?"