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?
Maggie Ellis
As an appellate justice, a former prosecutor and civil-criminal attorney with state and national legal certifications, I’ve handled thousands of matters in court. I’ve also led large organizations.
Experience and a proven history of advocating fairly from all sides of the docket is a good indicator of a candidate’s likeliness to be fair and impartial. I have handled thousands of matters from all sides, including: ruling over cases fairly as a judge; defending individuals at risk of losing their liberty, their children, and their homes; and advocating for justice as a prosecutor.
The TXSC should be a leader. As a child who grew up transient and homeless and with 15% of Texans living below the poverty level, I understand the need. I have been awarded for my work helping our most vulnerable have access to the court system by drafting legislation and establishing pro bono clinics. I will bring this experience to expand the TXSC commissions that address access to the courts.
We have been experiencing an erosion of our separation of powers and of our civil rights. This election comes at a critical time when our judiciary is under attack and under political pressure. As the first openly gay woman to serve as an appellate justice in Texas, I will bring balance back to our courts; I will not bow to political pressure; and I will protect the laws that protect everyone.
I believe deeply in what our courts are supposed to be: steady, independent, and grounded in the rule of law- that no one is above the law. Upholding my oath to defend our state and national Constitutions is important to provide confidence in our courts. I also believe that our laws should allow for flexibility to rise and shift in response to changes in our values but not to political pressures.
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