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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Orange County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
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Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. Around the country, we've heard people stress the importance of "a fair and impartial judiciary," How would you define a fair and impartial judge and how would you work to ensure your impartiality?
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Answer from Michael J. "Mike" Bartlett:
A fair and impartial judiciary is one that is composed of judges who are honest and impartial. These judges treat all people with dignity and respect, and they make their decisions based on the facts of the case and the law without the influence of any bias or pre-concieved agenda.
Answer from Nicholas Six "Nick" Thompson:
A fair and impartial judge is someone who avoids pre-conceptions regarding parties, issues and public opinion when cases are presented. A judge must be sensitive to bias, prejudice and emotional influences and prevent them from being a factor in the decision-making process. I have been all around the world for the military and have defended and prosecuted cases. My life and courtroom experience give me the foundation to engage in self-reflection to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. This will guide me in making decisions based upon the impartial application of the law to the facts of each case, and not some arbitrary influence.
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2. Judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the role of courts. How should they carry out that obligation?
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Answer from Nicholas Six "Nick" Thompson:
As a prosecutor I have given presentations to community groups and schools that relate to our legal system. I would continue this practice of using my own time to help educate the public and children. Judges should spend a few minutes at the beginning of a calendar to explain the process that will be taking place, the options available to parties, jurors, and defendants and how court is going to be conducted. This provides a better understanding to the public and helps expedite the process.
Answer from Michael J. "Mike" Bartlett:
Judges can improve the public's understanding of the courts in many ways. These include community involvement, teaching in law schools and colleges, and by making themselves available to speak publicly on the subject. In addition, and equally important, judges can improve the public's understanding through their example in court. Judges who are abrupt or seemingly uninterested in the parties and the issues brought before the court, give the public a feeling that they are not receiving the justice to which they are entitled.
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3. How do you deal with difficult people, including peers, lawyers, clients or litigants?
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Answer from Nicholas Six "Nick" Thompson:
A calm, but firm demeanor are essential when dealing with difficult people. It is also useful to help difficult people focus upon what issue has caused the difficulty and what specific solution would be proposed. This places emphasis on the issue at hand and helps diffuse emotional acting-out. This process helps lead to a rational settlement or decision. It also helps parties feel they have been able to be heard and understood, as well as, treated fairly.
Answer from Michael J. "Mike" Bartlett:
I treat everyone with dignity and respect, and I listen with an open mind to what they have to say. I don't always agree with the opinions of others, but I always listen in a courtous way and I try to avoid being disagreeable. Many times disputes are resolved simply by giving each party and those partys's counsel a full and fair opportunity to state their case.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
