How are judges chosen in Rhode Island—and is the process really based on merit, or driven by political connections? Our guests — Michael Yelnosky, professor and former dean of Roger Williams University School of Law, and John Marion MSL’20, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island — unpack how judges are chosen in Rhode Island and whether the system truly rewards excellence… or favors insiders. Using a recent Providence Journal article by Katherine Gregg as a starting point — “How can you become a judge in RI? Start with political connections” — we discuss whether reforms intended to reduce patronage have lived up to their promise.   Highlights:11:30 History of Picking Judges: Now vs. Before 199423:45 Upset About Judge Selection? Here's How to Speak Out27:29 What Are Magistrates? Understanding Their Role and How They're Appointed36:23 In RI, Knowing Everyone — Should That Disqualify Judge Selectors? Resources: “How can you become a judge in RI? Start with political connections.” https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/29/who-is-in-the-running-to-be-a-ri-judge-and-their-political-connections/85891915007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11----p118150c118150e000800v11xx10o11----b0072xxd117265&gca-ft=227&gca-ds=sophi Bios Prof. Michael Yelnoksy: https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/michael-j-yelnosky John Marion MSL’20 https://law.rwu.edu/student-life/stories/exactly-what-i-needed Common Cause Rhode Island https://www.commoncause.org/rhode-island/about-us/ Judicial Nominating Commission https://jnc.ri.gov/