NFIB-backed Melvin wins Supreme Court Contest

NFIB-endorsed Judge Joan Orie-Melvin easily won election to the state Supreme Court in Tuesday's General Election. Her victory is expected to break a philosophical 3-3 deadlock and shape the court’s direction for years.

"This race was critical to the future of lawsuit abuse reform in Pennsylvania," said NFIB State Director Kevin Shivers. "Reducing junk lawsuits and lawsuit abuse in Pennsylvania depends on our ability to get the right people elected who will work to bring fairness and personal responsibility to our civil justice system. 

"Court decisions can have a major impact on small employers. The temperament and philosophy of our judiciary is an important part of the state’s overall business climate. A judiciary that respects the rights of small business owners is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy."

A strict constructionist, Judge Joan Orie-Melvin has heard appeals on over 8,000 cases on civil, criminal and family matters and her opinions are firmly based on judicial restraint. Judge Melvin also rejected the infamous 2005 pay raise and refuses to use taxpayer dollars to pay for out-of-state conferences.