Final answer:
In 2016, the most widely used method for selecting general jurisdiction court judges in states was the nonpartisan election. In nonpartisan elections, judges seek office without official party affiliation. This system aims to protect the judiciary's impartiality from partisan influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2016, the most common method used by states in the selection of their general jurisdiction court judges was nonpartisan election. During nonpartisan elections, judges run for their positions without an official party affiliation, even though they might be nominated by political parties. This system emphasizes the importance of judges being viewed as impartial arbiters rather than representatives of a political ideology. Nonpartisan elections are believed to help maintain the judiciary's independence from partisan influence, which is crucial for the fairness of the legal system and the principle of separation of powers.