Judicial Selection Committee (Israel)

The Judicial Selection Committee (Hebrew: הוועדה לבחירת שופטים, HaVa'ada LiVkhirat Shoftim) is the body in Israel responsible for the selection of judges for all levels of the Israeli court system, including the Supreme Court, district courts, magistrate courts, labor courts, and military courts. Its composition, powers, and procedures are outlined in the Basic Law: The Judiciary and other relevant legislation.

The committee is composed of nine members:

• Three Supreme Court justices, including the Chief Justice.
• Two cabinet ministers, one of whom is typically the Minister of Justice.
• Two members of the Knesset (Israel's parliament).
• Two representatives of the Israel Bar Association.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court typically chairs the committee.

The composition of the committee is intended to provide a balance of power among the different branches of government and the legal profession, ensuring a degree of independence and preventing any single branch from dominating judicial appointments.

The committee's proceedings are generally confidential, and its decisions are made by a majority vote. The specific majority required varies depending on the level of court for which the judge is being selected. For example, a simple majority is sufficient for appointing judges to district and magistrate courts, while a qualified majority is required for appointing Supreme Court justices.

The committee's decisions are subject to judicial review, although the scope of such review is limited. Challenges to the committee's decisions typically focus on procedural irregularities or allegations of bias.

The Judicial Selection Committee has been the subject of considerable debate in Israel, particularly concerning the balance of power among its members and the potential for political influence in judicial appointments. Proposals for reforming the committee's composition and procedures are frequently discussed in the Israeli political arena.