League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	KC Jones Answers Questions Candidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 12

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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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: April 22, 2008 21:40
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