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On Tuesday, U.S. Supreme Court justices will hear arguments regarding whether they should agree to decide an important case from West Virginia. They should proceed on the matter.
Last year was not a pleasant one for the state Supreme Court. A number of concerns among state legislators led to impeachment proceedings against all five justices. One resigned rather than face the process. Another pleaded guilty to criminal wrongdoing. A third was convicted of crimes.
Only one of the justices, Elizabeth Walker, actually had a trial before the state Senate, which acquited her. Justice Margaret Workman filed court action intended to prevent the Senate from holding a trial in her case.
It is Workman's appeal that will be before the nation's highest court, if its members agree to consider the matter.
Workman's case in essence relies on the doctrine of separation of powers. Her lawyers contend action by the Legislature would violate it.
Clearly, the courts must be immune to political pressure. But just as clearly, there must be some check on their operations, to guard against waste and outright fraud.
Unless the U.S. Supreme Court takes the Workman case and rules on it, West Virginians will be left uncertain about whether such a check is available. Such a decision is vital and ought to be issued.