Elected
It would be better if they were appointed in my mind. Then the judge isn't dependent on elections and politics to get into office. Less likely to be swayed by those the contribute to their funds.
This is a very opinion oriented answer but i believe that judges should be appointed, because many people's own beliefs may affect their choice on judges such as, "an eye for an eye" thus voting for who they believe to be the harshest judge, as appose to the most fair and just one.
Superior and State Court judges are elected. Lower courts' judges (magistrate, juvenile, probate, etc) are appointed.
Although it may be a prerequisite in some jurisdictions, I do not believe that a law degree is required to be appointed or elected a judge.
If you are appointed as a High Court Judge you can.
(in the US) Federal judges are not elected, they are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate.
Benjamin N. Cardozo was the Jewish US Supreme Court judge appointed by a Republican President. He was appointed by Hebert Hoover in 1932.
Federal US District Court judges are appointed by the President but must be confirmed by the Senate. Judges presiding over US District Courts or US Special Courts are often suggested by a Senator of the state in which the judge will serve, and are nominated by the President as a matter of Senatorial courtesy.
Judge Owens was elected to the bench. He was not appointed to a partial term by the JNC/ Governor prior to taking office.
Most Mississippi drug court judges are elected, because they are regular judges of Circuit, County, or Justice Courts. Some drug court judges are appointed, because they are regular Municipal Court judges. Drug court judges have already been elected or appointed as a judge of their court; they simply take on the additional role of drug court judge. Details about Mississippi drug courts can be found at the first related link below. There are links to more info in the right column of that page. I found this information at the second related link below, which also has links to individual drug courts; just scroll down the page and look for "drug court" links in each county.
Justice M. Fathima Beevi was the first woman judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India in1989 and the first Muslim woman to be appointed to any higher judiciary. She is the first woman judge of a Supreme Court of a nation in India and Asia.
Judge Hatchett
Yes.