Libertarian John Buttrick named as Superior Court judge in Arizona
[May 31] In what appears to be a historical first, Libertarian John Buttrick has been named a judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court in
Arizona.
Buttrick was approved on May 1 by the state's Republican governor, Jane Hull, beating 39 other contenders for the position.
"The other 39 were, of course, Republicans and Democrats," said Buttrick -- demonstrating that the Libertarian political label is not necessarily
an obstacle for LP members seeking public office.
"Many Libertarians have given up on the party label because they think they can't get into office," he said. "But it's just not true. I think
Libertarians can really benefit from seeking out appointed positions."
Buttrick was initially screened by a commission of 16 members -- all registered Democrats and Republicans -- for the position. He was selected
even though his "party affiliation was known throughout the entire selection process," said Buttrick.
"This is believed to be the first time any third-party member has ever been appointed to a judgeship in Arizona," he said. "It may possibly be the first time a
registered Libertarian has been appointed to any judgeship anywhere in the country."
For the past 25 years, Buttrick has worked as an attorney for Brown and Bain, a Phoenix law firm. Specializing in product liability, contract, environmental, and patent
litigation, he has represented high-profile clients like IBM and Intel.
He is also well-known in Arizona for his political activity, including a run for governor in 1994 and a campaign for state representative in 1998.
LP National Director Steve Dasbach said Buttrick's appointment is a major milestone for the Libertarian Party.
"This is a big step forward for the party's credibility and influence," he said. "Keep in mind, the government is composed of three branches: Legislative, executive, and
judicial. Libertarians have tended to seek legislative and executive positions, but may forget that the judicial branch wields just as much power.
"John's appointment signals that the Libertarian perspective has now begun to be heard in the court system. Hopefully, John will be a pioneer for many more
Libertarian judges in the future."
LP National Chair Jim Lark said Buttrick's appointment was a victory for the party.
"He's going to make a fine judge," he predicted.
As a Superior Court judge, Buttrick, 53, has jurisdiction over all civil matters where more than $10,000 is in dispute, as well as felony criminal matters up to and
including capital offenses. However, Buttrick said the majority of his cases will lik ely deal with civil litigation.
His libertarian ideology will rarely influence his actions as a judge, said the Harvard Law School graduate -- and then only in cases involving federal or state
Constitutional questions.
"It's the job of lawyers to raise Constitutional questions and the judge to rule on them," he said. "Were I to read Constitutional issues into a case where the facts did
not warrant it, my decision would likely be reversed by the Court of Appeals. So it doesn't make any sense for me to do that."