League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Michael J. "Mike" Bartlett Answers Questions Candidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 4

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Orange County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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?

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.

2. Judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the role of courts. How should they carry out that obligation?

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.

3. How do you deal with difficult people, including peers, lawyers, clients or litigants?

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.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 28, 2008 12:52
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