by Bill Keisling
Pennsylvania State Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Castille in recent weeks accepted a $50,000 contribution from the political action committee of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, according to state campaign finance records.
The Committee for a Better Tomorrow, the PAC of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, contributed $50,000 to the Committee to Retain Chief Justice Ronald Castille on August 28, 2013, state records show.
On its webpage, the Trial Lawyers Association explains to its members that donations from its PAC are made to “candidates to office who share your interests.”
Castille, a Republican, is up for retention election this November.
The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers PAC in recent years has been criticized for making large donations to state judicial candidates.
The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers’ PAC was the focus of controversy in 2011 when it gave $300,000 to Allegheny County judge and Superior Court candidate David Wecht. In the same election, the PAC gave $25,000 to Wecht’s opponent, Harrisburg attorney Victor Stabile.
Pennsylvania is only one of 11 states without campaign donation limits.
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court in recent years has been plagued by corruption. In the 1990s, state Supreme Court Judge Rolf Larsen was impeached. This year Justice Joan Orie Melvin was removed from the high court following her conviction for campaign violations.
Also this year, Justice Seamus McCafferty was criticized for “referral fees” received by his wife from law firms.
Everyone knows PA judges are bought and sold like stolen merchandise at an outdoor flea market, especially Castille.