Question:

A Judge is not just a decision maker and a problem solver, but also a day-to-day administrator. Discuss your own administration, philosophies and practices. What must a judge and his staff do to assure good relationships with attorneys and law enforcement, county government, the media and the general public?

Answer:

The most important aspect of being an effective administrator is to clearly define for each employee their job description and what is expected in that job. Once a person knows what is expected regular performance reviews and feedback, both positive and constructive are necessary in order for employees to know where improvements are required and where they are doing a good job. When confidence in someone's performance is earned, more responsibility can be given. Knowing what is expected of both employer and employee is paramount in proper performance of each person's role in an office. Good relationships between the court, attorneys, law enforcement, county government, the media and the general public are necessary in order to promote confidence in the court and to be able to get support for new projects and ideas. In order to continue a good relationship with attorneys, one has to perform all duties of the office of District Court Judge by being prepared for civil and criminal matters that come before the court, reading the pleadings, independently researching issues that the pleadings may have and those issues the attorneys bring to the court in the form of motions and hearing their cases, whether it is with or without a jury and asking probing questions about their cases and how prior case law statutes affects their positions. In order to have a good relationship with law enforcement and county government, you have to know the boundaries of your own job and theirs, respect those boundaries and allow people to do their jobs. Each different branch of government has certain functions and roles and they all know how to do their job better than I. As such, one needs to let them do their job and where our function overlaps work together to solve any problems. The general public watches and deals with the court every day even without necessarily being in court. Each person that comes before the court, whether it is a person charged with a crime or a civil matter needs to be treated just how I would like to be treated if I were standing in their shoes. Appropriate sentencing must take place based upon the severity of the crime and the persons criminal history. It would be done with civility and respect. The public also sees each persons' private life that work in the court. Each person, not only the judge, must conduct their lives so that people believe they are impartial, trustworthy and fair. This assures a good working relationship with the public. As District Court Judge, I would explore all possible alternatives that could be implemented to reduce repeat offenders, across all types of criminal activities.