League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Cynthia Loo Answers Questions Candidate for Judge, Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 82

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

Questions & Answers

1. Please provide a brief list of your qualifications in bullet format. (No more than 25 words for this section.)

• Appointed in 2000 to perform duties of a Juvenile Court Judge
• 2004 Outstanding Judicial Officer
• Recognition: “Distinguished Professor and Extraordinary Community Leader”

2. How much flexibility should judges have in determining the length of sentences? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.)

Studies suggest that sentences more likely to deter future crime are both proportionate to the crime and address the underlying causes of an offense. Therefore, judicial flexibility in sentencing is beneficial so a sentence can be tailored to the crime and the accused. Take for example, a sentence for a drug addicted youth accused of theft. Rather than three years of incarceration, a sentence to a six months residential program that included drug counseling, educational and vocational services is more likely to reduce future criminality.

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.)

While the public has a right to know what occurs in an adult criminal trial, such should not be done where the presence of the media diverts the attention of jurors, attorneys and judge away from a fair hearing. In my small courtroom, I’ve allowed a newspaper reporter to observe, yet ordered no faces of the youth be photographed, nor specific identifying information be reported.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 31, 2008 23:16
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