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 154

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 Rocky L. Crabb: Los Angeles County SUPERIOR COURT COMMISSIONER ROCKY L. CRABB was elected to this position by the Judges of the LASC in November, 2005, and has been sitting as a judicial officer doing the work of a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court for nearly 3 years now. Many seek to be elected to the position of Court Commissioner, but few are chosen. His current assignment includes Domestic Violence Prevention Act cases, where he has the responsibility of protecting victims of domestic violence, as well as family law matters. As a LASC Court Commissioner, his duties also include making criminal bail deviation determinations, criminal probable cause determinations, and emergency protective order determinations. Commissioner Crabb has a broad range of experience presiding over, and practicing both criminal and civil cases. His experiecne is not limited to handling only criminal cases. Prior to being elected by the Judges of the Court, to the position of Commissioner, he practiced complex civil litigation, in both the Federal District Courts and State Courts of California for 25 years. He handled Uniform Trade Secret Act Cases, wrongful death cases, product liability cases, business law, and also criminal cases, both misdemeanors and felonies. He has served the citizens of Los Angeles County for nearly 3 years now from the bench as a judicial officer, and has earned the respect and praise of his fellow Judges and Commissioners, who indicate that he is "EXCEPTIONALLY WELL QUALIFIED" TO DO THE JOB OF A JUDGE. Answer from Michael V. Jesic: Deputy District Attorney Hardcore Gang Division 6 1/2 Years Rated Well Qualified by LA County Bar Justice For Homicide Victims Outstanding Prosecutor Award Endorsed By LA TIMES 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 Rocky L. Crabb: JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS should, and do have reasonable flexibility in sentencing criminals. The longest and most severe sentences for the worst, and most culpable criminals should be imposed by our Judges and Commissioners. California has had "determinate sentencing" since 1976, with the legislature determining the range of sentences based on the crime(s), history of priors of the defendant, mitigating and aggravating factors. JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS have authority to run sentences "consecutive", and to make the "punishment fit the crime", for the PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, and in the interests of justice, which is our goal. Answer from Michael V. Jesic: Our criminal justice system in California allows for great flexibility in sentencing criminals. Judges need to have this flexibility because no two cases and no two people are alike. What's important is that judges do not abuse this discretion. In California, we have a system in which sentences are based on a low, middle and high tier. This gives the judge flexibility, yet keeps them within well defined parameters, set up by our legislature. 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 Michael V. Jesic: Courtrooms have always been open to the public. Many say that TV coverage is a natural extension of that system. There is no better way for the public to see what is happening in our courtrooms. However, issues arise when the event becomes bigger than the case. Decisions whether media coverage is appropriate should be on a case by case basis, ensuring that first and foremost both sides right to a fair trial is protected. Answer from Rocky L. Crabb: Media coverage of actual cases can be very beneficial and informative. It gives the public the opportunity to see how our court system works. Without it, many citizens otherwise rely on fictional, or "Judge Judy" programs which are entertaining, but often a distortion of what really goes on. On the other hand, the courtroom cannot become a circus, and it is the responsibility of the Judge or Commissioner to insure that order is maintained, and that all parties have a fair and speedy trial. 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.