Those are not the only possible options. In many countries judges get their positions by a technical competition. Also in my country the case is built by a judge, even if there is a DA during the trial. I think they're going to change that, unfortunately... we suspect the reason is putting political corruption cases in more friendly hands.

Climbing the career ladder is managed by an entity formed by judges... in theory. In practice Constitution is ignored and politicians chose a good number of its members.

Seized property seems like total madness.