League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Diane Ritchie Answers Questions Candidate for Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 24

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

Questions & Answers

1. As a judge, you may be called on to impose sentences for crimes ranging from misdemeanors to homicide. While there are sentencing parameters and guidelines, you will have latitude. What factors and principles/values will affect your decisions?

As a judge in criminal court, I gave severe enough sentences to create a real change in the behavior of defendants. I gave sentences significantly more severe than the standard sentencing. In one case, a defendant was convicted of simple assault and disturbing the peace. He yelled vulgar words and tried to hit one of his neighbors. He had been a problem in the neighborhood for a long time. I sentenced him to 30 days in jail, to stay 300 years away from his neighbors for three years (which required him to move out of his parent's home), to get psychological counseling, anger management, and to get a job. I supervised him during probation. He went from an anti-social 40 year old living with his parents to a productive member of society with a job and his own place to live. In another case, a defendant was convicted of battery. He tried to choke his mother-in-law. She came over when her daughter called to say he was beating her. His 9 year old daughter called the police and tried to pull him off her grandmother. I sentenced him to 90 days in jail, parenting without violence, psychological counseling, and a peaceful contact order with his mother-in-law.

2. Please describe your experience in civil and criminal cases.

As a judge I successfully presided over thousands of criminal cases including, domestic violence, gang, child abuse, rape, and other violent crimes. As a civil trial judge, I settle over 30% of the cases assigned to me. I have successfully presided over business cases, real estate, personal injury, living trusts, and other civil cases. Prior to becoming a judge, I was an attorney for 27 years. Early in my career, I was a Santa Clara County District Attorney. I handled important cases including child molest. I was civil attorney for more than 24 years. As a civil attorney cases in many areas of law from employment law, education law, and family law, to real estate, and personal injury. I handled class actions on behalf of restaurant workers who were not paid overtime which settled one of which settled for 13 million dollars. I also handled a case on behalf of students who were harassed on the basis of sexual orientation. Before becoming a judge I was a mediator in civil cases.

Before becoming a judge, I was an attorney for 27 years. I a civil attorney for more than 24 years and a Santa Clara County District Attorney for three and a half years. As a civil attorney I handled class actions on behalf of restaurant workers who were not paid overtime which settled one of which settled for 13 million dollars. I also handled a case on behalf of students who were harassed on the basis of sexual orientation. Before becoming a judge I was also a mediator in civil cases.

3. Would you propose any changes to assure that there is no appearance of bias in the courtroom including, but not limited to, bias based on disability, gender identity, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation?

Disability: It is important to have a sufficient number of sign interpreters. Each sign interpreter can only interpret for about an hour. Then they need to switch off. We also need hearing assistive devices which work consistently.

Gender Identity: It is important to ask the person outside the presence of the jury how he/she wants to be referred to. It is important to treat everyone equally and with respect, including people with the protected characteristics listed above.

National Origin: The Court does not provide interpreters in civil cases. It is important for the Court to find a way to obtain interpreters in these cases.

It is important to ensure juries reflect the diversity of our county.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: July 17, 2014 15:14
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