Overview

Choosing a candidate for the Superior Court judge position can be challenging for voters unfamiliar with the judicial system. The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) provides valuable insights into these candidates through their evaluation and rating process. These ratings can significantly influence voter decisions, as judges have the authority to impact both civil and criminal cases in the county.

With limited campaign budgets and the nonpartisan nature of these judicial seats, voters often lack sufficient information about the candidates. LACBA plays a crucial role in bridging this information gap by offering public ratings based on thorough evaluations of candidates.

Key details

  • The LACBA evaluates Superior Court candidates every election cycle.
  • Judges influence decisions in criminal and civil cases, including appeals for small claims and misdemeanors.
  • Candidate campaign budgets are typically small, complicating voters' ability to gather information.
  • Judicial seats are nonpartisan, making political party affiliation irrelevant for voting.
  • LACBA is a voluntary bar association focused on resources for its members and legal assistance for those in need.
  • The Judicial Elections Evaluation committee consists of 40 members with diverse legal backgrounds.
  • Committee members are selected based on their reputation and willingness to dedicate significant time to the evaluation process.
  • Committee chair Susan Schwartz noted an effort to balance representation by including members from the D.A.'s office.
  • Candidates undergo a thorough evaluation process, including a detailed questionnaire and interviews.
  • Candidates must provide 50 to 75 professional references for assessment.
  • Committee members conduct interviews with at least 25 references to gather insights on candidates' skills and character.
  • The evaluation process emphasizes concrete facts over general opinions to ensure a fair assessment.

Context

The LACBA serves as one of the few consistent sources of information regarding judicial candidates, making its ratings particularly influential in the electoral process for Superior Court judges in Los Angeles County.

What happens next

As the election approaches, voters will have access to LACBA's ratings, which will help inform their choices among the candidates vying for judicial positions. This information aims to empower voters to make educated decisions at the polls.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific criteria used in the evaluations and the exact process of how ratings are determined remain unconfirmed.