Georgia voters Tuesday decided to amend the state’s constitution to overhaul the state’s judicial watchdog agency. The changes would allow the state Legislature to abolish and recreate the Judicial Qualifications Commission and give lawmakers more power over the body.
The watchdog agency, which was created by constitutional amendment in 1972, investigates ethics complaints against state judges. The commission’s investigations have led to the resignations or removals of dozens of judges in Georgia over the past decade for misconduct.
Supporters of Amendment Three argued changes were needed because the watchdog agency needed more oversight to ensure that judges received due process in the state. Critics have said the changes will politicize an agency that has operated independently.
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