Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
While I have not been a judge, I am a trial attorney, Board Certified in Administrative Law, (highly relevant for the 15th Court), and I am a retired firefighter and RN with real world life experience
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
If elected, I am bound by the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. As noted in the preamble to the Code, the legal system is based on the principle that an independent, fair and competent judiciary must honor and respect judicial office as a public trust. While the system to elect judges is a political system, judges must remain impartial to maintain confidence in the judicial system.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
The greatest barriers to access is the cost of litigation with high legal fee and steep court costs that limit low income individuals from asserting their rights; and the complexity of the process due to specialized legal jargon, and confusing paperwork. The courts can address these issues by advocating for expanded legal aid and streamlined court proceedings.
Precedent
: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
Stare decisis is an important legal doctrine, and Appellate Courts should not take lightly any consideration of overturning a prior ruling. Some factors to consider: - Is there controlling precedent from the Supreme Court of Texas; - Is there splits between the other 14 Courts of Appeals; - Is there a compelling factual or legal issue that raises an issue with real world consequences
Philosophy
What is your judicial philosophy?
To a large extent my judicial philosophy would be based on prudentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes pragmatism, caution, and consideration of the real-world consequences of judicial decisions, rather than focusing solely on abstract legal principles or moral arguments.
