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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Answer from KC Jones:

I believe that all persons are entitled to justice and a fair day in court. Neither political party has a right to control the courts, which are to remain truly independent from political pressures and outside influence. The indigent self-represented individual has as much right to access the courts as does the Fortune 500 Corporation.

Often, members of the minority and those with unpopular views need the protection of the courts the most. It is equally true that large corporations cannot be viewed merely as deep pockets and easy targets. The law applies equally to all, and emotions and sympathies should not control the outcome.

I believe that the courts must remain independent and not controlled by popular opinion or particular ideology (Right or Left, Conservative or Liberal, Republican or Democrat), in order to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected, and that public confidence in the courts remains strong.

Answer from Michael Flory:

In order for the justice system to work, the judges must be "fair and impartial." Clearly, judges will become or already are friends with some of the attorneys that appear before them. Additionally, judges have personal opinions on issues that they will rule on. In order for justice to be achieved, the judge must put aside his feelings of friendship and put aside his personal opinions of certain issues and rule strictly according to the letter of the law.

Answer from KC Jones:

Judicial officers at the trial court level serve as the gate-keepers to the judicial system. They have immediate and often life-changing impact on litigants through their broad power as to the types of civil cases that get tried, dismissed and settled; in determining criminal sentences and penalties and in ruling on family and child custody and adoption matters. While individuals are responsible for consequences of their choices, judges often provide opportunities for personal improvement. These individuals then impact upon society the way they feel society (i.e: the courts) have treated them. Sentencing decisions can help put first-time offenders back on the right track; custody orders can motivate a parent toward self-improvement; and the disposition of a civil matter can impact on future ways of doing business.

Attorneys and judges serve as the pubic face of the complex and often misunderstood third branch of government. Even if the only interaction the public has with our courts is through jury duty or traffic citations, they need to be assured that the courts are there to administer justice competency and fairly. The public is subjected to vast amounts of news media reports of sensational crimes and tort awards as well as fictionalized accounts of lawyers, lawsuits and judges through movies, television and books. These provide a distorted and oversimplified view of the justice system, and often serve to undermine the public's perception of the courts. If the public does not believe that they are getting fair day in court, and that justice is truly being meted out, they will lose respect for the courts and judges and will be much less likely to comply with any rulings or orders.

I have make efforts my entire legal career to truly serve as an "officer of the court." Whether in my public or private life, I realize that the public will see me as a lawyer, and that as such, I will influence their perception of the courts. I strive to be mindful of this, such that their perception is positive.

Additionally, I have sought opportunities to reach out directly to the public by volunteering as an arbitrator and temporary judge and through legal seminars and advice luncheons. For example, when presiding over contested traffic or small claims trials, I have always been courteous and receptive to the litigants, so that they can be assured that the court is being fair. I also provide volunteer service to young people as a volunteer Attorney Scorer for Constitutional Rights Foundation Mock Trial Program and as a Mentor for Chapman Law School and Whittier Law School. I thoroughly believe that the perception that justice is being done is just as important as justice itself. I will strive to maintain the independence, impartiality and integrity of the courts.

Answer from Michael Flory:

I have been in court nearly everyday for almost 15 straight years. At least once a week students come by for civics lessons either alone, in a group or with their entire class. In Orange County, I have seen several fine judges take a significant amount of time to explain how the system works. Many judges call upon me, as a Deputy District Attorney, to explain what my role is in the courtroom. I would continue this tradition of explaining the court system to eager students. Additionally, I teach legal courses at police departments, to police associations and to my fellow Deputy District Attorneys. I believe teaching others is a great way to improve the publics understanding of the role of courts.

Answer from Michael Flory:

In a courtroom setting, all parties deserve to be heard. I will listen to all points of view prior to making a ruling. There must be order in the courtroom. If one of the parties is difficult to deal with I will explain the courtroom rules to them. If they still fail to obey the rules, I will take a break and let the party "cool down." If the party is still difficult, I will take the party into chambers with the court reporter and make a complete record. This way the difficult party will have a record of the situation for the appellate court. This should diffuse the situation.

Answer from KC Jones:

A judge must lead by example. People must be treated with respect and with an understanding that most people in the courthouse do not want to be there. Courtrooms are intimidating places for the participants, who are typically in desparate situations.

Judges see people after crimes have been commited, after contracts have been breached, after accidents have happenned and after rights have been violated. This fact, combined with the stress of the uncertainty of the outcome of dispute, tends to cause the participants to be more agressive, emotional and reactive. Essentially, the courts must address the real problems of people at their worst.

Judges must control the courtroom as strong leaders but not as tyrants. It is important to the fair resolution of cases that the decorum of the proceedings be maintained.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.