Candidate Responses to Voter Guide Questions
Candidates were asked to provide answers to seven fundamental, nonpartisan questions for this voter guide. Candidates were asked not to make comparisons with any other candidate. Candidates were advised that their answers would be limited to 250 words per question. Each candidate's answers are reprinted verbatim here up to that word limit.
1. How have your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court?
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Since my election to the bench in 2000, I have met the challenges of dealing with one of the nation’s largest caseloads and I have done so with such efficiency that my court has received national recognition for our top ranking productivity. During this time I have reviewed more than 23,000 cases and authored hundreds of opinions including key appellate decisions aimed at strengthening our criminal laws and protecting our citizens from violent offenders. I have demonstrated my courage and strength of character by making tough decisions which strictly adhere to the rule of law. As presiding judge, I am also responsible for the administrative functions of our court, including all budgetary and personnel issues. Prior to serving on the bench I worked with the Governor’s Legislative Office, served as legal counsel for ProStaff Human Resource Management and was associated with the law firms of John Taber & Associates and Pittman, Pittman, Carwie & Fuquay. While in private practice I represented clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters both in and out of the courtroom and earned a reputation for hard work and dedication. I believe my proven record of judicial excellence, my leadership abilities and my common sense judicial philosophy provide me with unique insight to meet the demands of a Supreme Court justice. |
| 2. What do you consider to be the three most important attributes of a judge? |
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Without question the three most important attributes of a judge are a commitment to the rule of law, a dedication to uphold our Constitution and a reputation for efficiency, fairness, impartially and respect for all those that appear before the bench. |
| 3. What is your judicial philosophy? |
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I believe that judges should follow the law as it is currently written and apply that law to the facts of the case. Honoring the judicial oath requires that I do not legislate from the bench but rather leave that legislative function to our elected representatives. Throughout my career I have worked to develop a good understanding of the doctrine of separation of powers and I strive to adhere to that doctrine. |
| 4. How do you define “judicial independence,” and how important is it to our judicial system? |
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The role of the judiciary is not that of “first among equals.” There should always be a balance of power between the three branches of government and the concept of overriding the other branches by judicial activism runs counter to our founding fathers’ concept of co-equal branches of government. |
| 5. What is the greatest area of need in the Alabama justice system, and how should the Alabama Supreme Court respond, if at all? |
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While I believe that we have the best judicial system in the world, it is certainly not without its faults, one of which is the public perception that justice is “for sale.” It is our responsibility, as judges, to ensure that the public feels that everyone is treated equally in the eyes of the law. |
| 6. What part, if any, should public opinion play in the decision of a judge? |
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The public should play no part in the decision of a judge, rather, a judge should only be guided by a strict adherence to the rule of law. |
| 7. In a case before the Court, how should a judge handle a conflict between his/her personal beliefs and the law? |
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There have certainly been times when I made a decision in a case where I personally disagreed with the outcome. But, I took a solemn oath to uphold Alabama’s laws and our Constitution after I was elected. As a result, I have had the courage and commitment to follow the law as it was currently written--- anything else amounts to judicial activism. |
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