| Orange County, CA | November 4, 2014 Election |
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Judges' Role in Public Understanding of the CourtsBy Kenneth C. "KC" JonesCandidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 14 |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
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 the 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 competently 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 their 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 made 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 Law Schools. 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. |
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Created from information supplied by the candidate: July 17, 2014 13:18
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