Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
ETHICS: How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
EQUITY: What role should the Supreme Court play in expanding access to justice for persons or groups who may be underserved?
ISSUES: What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the courts today, and how would you propose addressing it?
PHILOSOPHY: What is your judicial philosophy?
Kristen Hawkins
I am board-certified in civil trial law and personal injury law. In 2021, I was Tex-ABOTA Judge of the Year. As a trial-court judge, I have presided over more than 200 jury and bench trials.
As a trial-court judge, I base my decisions on the facts and the law—not on campaign contributions. If elected to the Supreme Court, that would not change. I strive for predictability and consistency so the parties know what to expect when they come to court. I treat everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of socio-economic status, political affiliation, or whether they have donated.
The Supreme Court chooses its cases, and should select cases that are important to all Texans—not just the well-resourced. It should also review cases mindful of the constitutionally embedded right to a trial by jury and should respect juries and their verdicts. The Court can adopt rules streamlining access to justice for those with fewer resources, including self-represented litigants.
The persistent attacks on judges—both at the state and federal levels. The judicial branch is a coequal branch of government, and maintaining judicial independence is necessary to sustain our democracy. I would rule based on the law and facts and strive for consistent and fair application of the law without favoring any party.
The Constitution requires every party appearing in Court be treated equally under the law and guarantees a right to a jury trial. My judicial philosophy is simple: apply the law equally to everyone who appears in court and ensure that juries and their verdicts are respected. Consistent and predictable application of the law is what every Texan should expect from our judicial system.
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