With the Nov. 5 election quickly approaching, The Record-Argus sent out a list of three questions to the two men on the ballot for common pleas judge. What follows is the first question. Questions 2 and 3 will run Thursday and Friday, respectively. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, which will switch each day. 1) What makes a good common pleas court judge? Victor S. Heutsche: Our County has been blessed with judges that have served the citizens with the utmost integrity and dignity to the position which they were entrusted. Having had the opportunity to practice law in front of six retired judges and the three current judges has provided me with the opportunity to observe their demeanor in Court. In my opinion, the following characteristics and qualifications make for a good Court of Common Pleas judge. A judge should have the legal ability that ensures knowledge of the law and Court procedure. A judge should be courteous to both the attorneys and their clients. A judge should be patient and open minded to the matters that come in front of the Court. A judge should serve with integrity. The integrity of a judge is the keystone of the judicial system. A judge with integrity sets aside personal beliefs, personal bias and partisan political influences. A judge should not let any of the above factors influence his decisions, and should rule in accordance with existing law regardless of his personal beliefs. A good judge should be levelheaded no matter how exasperating the issue in front of the Court is, he should be even-tempered and maintain the dignity of the Court. Finally, a good judge should be deliberate in his decisions, and adequately explain to the parties the rationale behind his decision.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:37:37 +0000
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