Smarter Government WA asks, “Why are “independent” judges supervised in house?”
“…The agency has pointed out that Odiorne is Petersen’s direct supervisor and so communication between them is expected…
“The very structure of this arrangement is problematic. Parties in these disputes expect the administrative law judge to make determinations without improper pressure. The position is one in which independence is paramount, yet the judge is directly supervised by the commissioner’s top deputy. With that kind of arrangement, they are practically setting up this kind of unfortunate situation.”
