David Bond, Vice President for Advocacy at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), recently appeared on COMMUNITY CONNECTION to discuss the organization’s efforts to evaluate the Oklahoma State Supreme Court ahead of the upcoming November elections. Bond shared insights into OCPA's Judicial Scorecard, an important resource for voters to understand how the court’s rulings affect the state.

Background on OCPA

Founded in 1993 by Dr. David Brown, an orthopedic surgeon from Oklahoma City and a former chairman of The Heritage Foundation, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs has grown into the state’s leading conservative think tank. Bond described OCPA as not only a “think tank” but also a “do tank” and “battle tank,” with a successful history of influencing state policy. Through publications, public forums, courtroom advocacy, and leadership training, the organization aims to build a state where taxes remain low, government interference is minimal, and traditional family values are protected from progressive influences.

Purpose of the Judicial Scorecard

Bond explained that the Oklahoma Judicial Scorecard serves as a tool to help voters understand the decisions of the Oklahoma Supreme Court and their broader implications for the state. The scorecard provides an analysis of how the nine justices' rulings align with conservative principles such as the rule of law, job growth, and Oklahoma values. With a conservative reputation at the state level, Bond noted that many voters might be surprised to learn that the Supreme Court often leans liberal in its rulings.

Oklahoma’s nine justices face a retention vote every six years, and three of them are up for retention in 2024. The scorecard evaluates key rulings on issues such as tort reform, protection of unborn life, free speech, and public health mandates, providing voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Key Issues Highlighted by the Scorecard

The OCPA’s Judicial Scorecard highlights significant cases that reflect the court’s influence on Oklahoma’s legal and cultural landscape. Among the issues analyzed are:

• Tort Reform: Evaluating how the court’s rulings affect the legal environment for businesses and individuals.
• Protection for Unborn Life: Assessing decisions related to abortion and pro-life policies.
• Free Speech: Highlighting cases where freedom of expression was either upheld or restricted.
• Public Health Mandates: Reviewing the court's stance on government-imposed health mandates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These rulings, according to Bond, offer critical insight into the court's ideological leanings and how they may contrast with the state’s conservative majority.

How to Access the Scorecard

Oklahoma voters can explore the Judicial Scorecard and learn about the methodology used to evaluate the justices on OCPA’s website. The scorecard is designed to provide transparency and accountability, giving citizens a clear picture of how justices’ decisions may affect the state's future. For those interested, the scorecard and methodology are available at the following links:

• Oklahoma Judicial Scorecard
• Scorecard Methodology

OCPA’s Mission

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is dedicated to advancing principles that support free enterprise, limited government, individual initiative, personal responsibility, and strong families. Through its advocacy work, the OCPA aims to promote the prosperity of the people of Oklahoma by upholding policies that defend traditional values and foster a thriving state.

As the 2024 elections approach, the OCPA’s Judicial Scorecard offers a resource for voters to evaluate the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s role in shaping the state’s future.