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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an
Inter-League Organization and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Experience,
Court Process
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. How have your previous career experiences prepared you to be a Superior Court judge?
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Answer from Bob Henry:
First, at Harvard Law School, being a certified student to work in criminal cases in the District (Municipal) courts there, I learned to represent clients. When I passed the bar and joined the Attorney General's office, I had years of extensive civil experience, ranging from closing diploma mills to trying the first OSHA case. I then transferred to the criminal division and became one of the top death penalty experts, winning 4 cases with no losses before the California Supreme Court.
Answer from Deborah L. Sanchez:
I have spent over a thousand days in the courtroom. My career includes civil and criminal matters, as well as policymaking. I have represented a range of people from well-known policy makers within Los Angeles, to the unknown poor in need of legal services. The range of my experience is broad, both professionally and personally. I understand the struggles of the everyday person coming into the courtroom, whether they are a party, witness or an observer.
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2. As a judge, what could you do to make the court process be a more efficient and positive experience for plaintiffs, defendants,lawyers and the jury?
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Answer from Bob Henry:
Provide the main thing that is valuable to the ordinary citizen, patience and understanding by the judge based on a realization that this process can be a frightening one for those unfamiliar. I also would add explanations, to the extent possible, to jurors and witnesses as to why that which is going on is occurring.
Answer from Deborah L. Sanchez:
I believe that maintaining the decorum of the court is important. People should not be afraid to come into a courthouse because of how it is run. The parties should know they will be treated fairly. Fairness is not some intangible emotion. It requires the court to be prepared, know the issues and have the courage to do what is right, even when the response could disrupt the court's own life or career.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidate answers are presented as submitted except that direct or indirect reference to opponents is not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
