Vote Smart: Understanding Pennsylvania’s Judicial Retention Elections

In this episode, attorney Daniel J. Siegel takes a thoughtful look at Pennsylvania’s upcoming Pennsylvania judicial retention elections—and why voters should look beyond headlines, partisanship, and single-issue politics when deciding whether to retain appellate judges. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience and more than 250 appellate cases, Siegel explains how Pennsylvania’s Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth Court judges shape the law that affects every citizen, from workers’ compensation to family and criminal cases.

Siegel urges voters to focus on fairness, preparation, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law—the qualities that define strong jurists—rather than letting political winds or controversial soundbites determine the future of the judiciary. He also shares why he supports the retention of Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, David Wecht, and Judges Alice Beck Dubow and Michael Wojcik, emphasizing that judicial excellence transcends party lines.

If you care about the courts, justice, and democracy, this episode offers a lawyer’s clear, reasoned perspective on how to judge the judges.