Twelve candidates, five Democrats and seven Republicans are running for two seats on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

Once elected, these judges usually labor anonymously for their six-year terms, but their work is important in keeping the judicial system functioning properly.

Republicans today dominate this court and the other appellate courts, having struck political gold with voters a decade or so ago with their promise not to make law. Most of them toned down that rhetoric this year. Neither do these GOP candidates feel it necessary today to emphasize their family values or prove their conservatism.

Today, most of the candidates talk about the role of the court. Listeners are apt to hear phrases like an appellate judge should be thoughtful, evenhanded, impartial, committed to fairness.

The appellate courts do not try cases. They review actions or decisions of trial courts by reviewing the transcripts for questions of law or allegations of procedural error.

The court has five judges who hear all appeals of felony and misdemeanor cases, including violations of city ordinances.

So, how does one go about selecting an appellate judge? One way is by the time-honored, but faulty, method of name recognition. Another is to talk to the candidates, look them in the eye and test their philosophy.

A judge’s record is important, and often appellate court justices have had experience on the bench in a lower court.

The Daily’s editorial board met with most of the GOP candidates and concluded that Jefferson County Circuit Judge Teresa Bearden Petelos fits our expectations for Place No. 1.

She started her law career in 1986 and was elected as a criminal court trial judge in 1994. She was re-elected in 2000 and 2006. At age 51, Judge Petelos said she is ready to try something different.

Chris Mixon impressed us as suited by temperament and background for Place 2, even though he lacks bench experience.

He is thoughtful and deliberate. He worked for two Alabama Supreme Court justices, Hugh Maddox and Harold See, before going into private practice in Birmingham.

On the Democratic ticket, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Clyde Jones has the experience to be an appellate judge based on his six years on the bench in the criminal division. The former prosecutor is running for Place 1.

Jon Hayden has a variety of experience with criminal law as a prosecutor, a staff attorney for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, and assistant attorney general. After 18 years of practice, he has the experience to serve in Place 2 on that same court.

Our recommendations for Alabama Court of Criminal appeals in the June 3 primaries are:

Place 1, Democrat Circuit Judge Clyde Jones and Republican Circuit Judge Teresa Bearden Petelos.

Place 2, Democrat Jon Hayden and Republican Chris Mixon.