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?
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?
Jennifer Balido
I have over 33 years of criminal law experience as a district judge, prosecutor, public defender, and criminal defense attorney, trying cases and arguing appeals, including death penalty cases.
Transparency is key to the public's trust in the judiciary. Aside from accurate and timely reporting to the Ethics Commission, a judge should make the parties aware of any potential conflicts of interest, either personal or professional, however slight, and let the parties decide if they wish to ask the judge to recuse herself. As a district judge, I have recused myself when necessary
The most pressing challenge facing appellate courts is the length of time it takes for a case to go through the appellate process. Delays occur at every turn, and victims of crime and defendants deserve a swift but thorough examination of the trial record and applicable law and a thoughtful appellate opinion addressing the issues raised in the case. Panel opinions could clear more cases quickly.
As a sitting district judge, people come before me facing the most difficult situations of their lives. Crime victims, defendants, their families, and their attorneys are looking to me to set the tone. I treat everyone with respect, I allow everyone to have their say, and I fully consider the arguments of both sides. You may not agree with my decision, but you will know that you were heard.
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