League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Jesús "Jess" Valencia Answers Questions Candidate for Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 8

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

Questions & Answers

1. As a judge, you may be called on to impose sentences for crimes ranging from misdemeanors to homicide. While there are sentencing parameters and guidelines, you will have latitude. What factors and principles/values will affect your decisions?

To the extent permitted by law, the factors, principles and values which I will consider in reaching my decisions are the following: The seriousness of the crime; the impact on the victim(s); the defendant's criminal history; the defendant's remorse, admission and willingness to accept responsibility; proportionality between crime and punishment; potential for rehabilitation; defendant's socio-economic history; weighing social cost of incarceration versus treatment programs and other options; and the sentencing practices of other judges and jurisdictions.

2. Please describe your experience in civil and criminal cases.

As an experienced Court Commissioner, I have handled some of the court's busiest criminal calendars and conducted hundreds of traffic and small claims court bench trials. I have completed Superior Court assignments handling thousands of misdemeanor arraignments, violations of probation and sentencing matters. I have experience handling juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings. I have 20 years of legal experience practicing both civil and criminal law. As a lawyer, I represented victims of crime as well as those accused of wrongdoing. I have felony trial experience and complex civil litigation experience.

3. Would you propose any changes to assure that there is no appearance of bias in the courtroom including, but not limited to, bias based on disability, gender identity, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation?

Yes. Judicial officers are required to undergo Elimination of Bias and Ethics training each year. I believe this training is critical and integral to the administration of justice. A judge must set the example of treating everyone in our diverse community with respect and dignity. Judges must be constantly vigiliant to ensure the elimination of both actual and perceived bias. I strongly support this policy and would work within the courts to ensure the policy is continuously revised, expanded and updated to account for demographic changes in the cultural, ethnic, religious and gender diversity of our community.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 5, 2008 16:25
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