League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Jeffrey S. Gootman Answers Questions Candidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Los Angeles; Office 29

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Why are you running for Superior Court Judge?

I have been a Deputy District Attorney for over 19 years. I am fortunate to have been able to serve the people of the State of California as a criminal prosecutor in the District Attorney's office and have found my public service to be very fulfilling. As a prosecutor, justice must be sought. A component of justice is using good old common sense. Over my 19 years as a prosecutor and 24 years as an attorney, I have always sought justice and learned a great deal about common sense. This common sense and wisdom can only be learned over the years. Over my career, I have matured as any person does. It is this maturity combined with my knowledge of the law and common sense that makes my becoming a judge the next step in the search for the truth. Throughout my 24 years as an attorney engaged in both civil and criminal litigation, I have learned that justice must be tempered with common sense. It is vital to know when to litigate, when to settle a case and how to fashion remedies that are fair to all including the victims. This insures that victims are protected and the guilty receive a fair and equitable punishment. Justice above all, is taking the extra step to be find the truth. After all, a courtroom and trial is supposed to be a search for the truth and where it lies. Above all, the courts must reach decisions as quickly as possible without sacrificing the truth. If this means working an hour later so be it. I have found a judge is in the best position to seek the truth and therefore after 19 years of seeking the truth the next logical step for me is the bench.

2. What are the personal qualities which best equip you to serve as a judge?

I have the breadth of experience and maturity that are required of a judical officer. I have been a prosecutor for over 19 years. During this time I have prosecuted just about every type of criminal case. I am the only individual running for this seat who has prosecuted criminal cases, including death penalty cases and sought to uphold the death penalty on appeal.

I have a long history as a prosecutor of upholding and arguing for victims rights. I have been specially trained in child abuse sexual assault and domestic violence cases to deal with sensitive and vulnerable victims. I will bring that sensitivity into my court room.

I have developed a criminal database that summarizes every Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions since 1985. I will use this data base to apply the correct law to each ruling and tell all concerned how and why I reached that result.