League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge, Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 84

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Sentencing, Media coverage Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. Please provide a brief list of your qualifications in bullet format. (No more than 25 words for this section.) Answer from Lori-Ann C. Jones: Two and half years of running my own courtroom Nineteen years of daily courtroom experience Criminal and Civil Court experience Answer from Pat Connolly: Deputy District Attorney since 1992 Prosecuted over 100 felony trials, including Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, and Serious/Violent cases Prosecuted over 30 Murder or Conspiracy to Commit Murder cases, including Special Circumstances/Death Penalty cases Former Hardcore Gang Unit Prosecutor Graduate of the University of San Diego, School of Law Justice for Homicide Victims Award 2008 Deputy District Attorney of the Month, May 1998 2. How much flexibility should judges have in determining the length of sentences? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.) Answer from Lori-Ann C. Jones: Judges are required to work within the guidelines set down by the law, which sets sentencing ranges. Judges are permitted to and must exercise individual discretion when sentencing. People have individual circumstances, and sentences should not be administered like a cookie cutter. A judge should give each case individual thought and consideration prior to sentencing. Answer from Pat Connolly: The People of California allow judges a great deal of flexibility in sentencing criminal defendants. To ensure a uniformity of sentencing, parameters have been set by the Legislature. Judges need this flexibility to ensure that fair and appropriate sentences are handed down. A judge must be allowed this discretion so that all relevant factors, including the defendant's background and criminal history, the impact on the victim, protection of the public, may be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate sentence. 3. Should more trials be covered by TV and radio? How would you handle media coverage in your courtroom? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.) Answer from Pat Connolly: I would encourage the coverage of legal proceedings by the media, and believe that responsible and open reporting from our courtrooms is appropriate and necessary. I am in favor of media coverage as long as it does not interfere with either side getting a fair trial nor jeopardize the safety of any of the parties involved. The accused as well as the public are entitled to an open proceeding. Answer from Lori-Ann C. Jones: Of course, each defendant has a general right to a trial open to the public and the media. However, a judge should determine on an individual basis whether it is appropriate for cameras or sound-recording equipment to be allowed in the courtroom. The public's right to know should be balanced against the requirement to maintain the dignity of the proceedings and respect for the individual parties. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Until 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2008, candidates for Superior Court Judge must limit their answers to 175 words total for all questions so that a paper Voters Guide may be published. Specific word limits are as follows: 25 words for question 1; 150 words total for questions 2 and 3. After 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2008, word limits will no longer apply. Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League or by Smart Voter, and must comply with California law as stated in California Election Code sections 13307 and 13308. Candidates are restricted to identifying their own qualifications and may not comment on any other candidate’s qualifications, character, or activities. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.