Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I have protected the People’s constitutional rights, received awards and appointments for doing so, worked as a staff attorney to an appellate court, and regularly taught law to lawyers and judges.
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
First, I would immediately shut down (or walk away from) any improper attempt to exert pressure or to advocate outside the courtroom. Second, I would report any improper attempts to the relevant authorities (including the Bar). Third, my donors support me because they believe I will do what is right, not what benefits them to the detriment of the law. Fourth, I have made these positions public.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
As a former appellate court staff attorney, I believe one important barrier is the general unavailability of affordable and experienced appellate counsel to indigent parties. Courts can (and frequently do) appoint counsel when there are fundamental constitutional rights at issue.
Precedent
: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
A panel of the Court is generally bound by a previous panel’s ruling. The en banc (entire) Court can change the Court’s precedent, but it requires specific circumstances. See Tex. R. App. P. 41.2(c). Therefore, I would typically examine whether the previous ruling was incorrect and, if so, whether that incorrectness requires en banc review.
Philosophy
What is your judicial philosophy?
I generally believe (1) in living constitutionalism in the constitutional context, (2) in textualism outside of it, and (3) that the Founders did not intend to hinder the Peoples’ rights by requiring them to consistently undergo the amendment process. I also typically believe people (and legislatures) deliberately select the words they use.
