League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 4, 2008 Election
	Pat DeWine Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Court of Common Pleas; 6 Year Term Starting 1/04/09

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are the two most pressing issues you will face if you are elected? (50 word limit)

I will administer the law fairly and impartially, treating those who come before me with respect, and running an efficient courtroom. I will work to keep our neighborhoods safe and make sure criminals receive the sentences they deserve.

2. How will you address each of those issues? (100 word limit)

As a member of Council and a County Commissioner, I've long made fiscal responsibility a priority so I believe I have the experience to run an efficient court.  It's important to keep the docket moving and I'll do that by handling motions and trial work in an organized manner.  My extensive experience as an attorney gives me the toughness to deal with violent criminals and the compassion to help bring a sense of justice to their victims.

3. What is your position on merit selection of the judiciary? (100 word limit)

I believe the our government is based on representation of the people.  Too often judges get comfortable in their surroundings and begin making decisions that run counter to established precedents.  By electing our judiciary I believe we elect qualified individuals who remain accountable to the people they represent.

4. What would be a fair way to evaluate the performance of a sitting judge? (100 word limit)

There are several ways to measure a judge's performance.  I believe efficiency is one + how well they move cases through the system.  Another benchmark + but one that has to be weighed within its context is whether or not a Judge gets overturned on appeal regularly.  Finally, I believe evaluation should take into effect a Judge's willingness to consider each case as a unique event so that each defendant and/or plaintiff get the treatment before the court that they deserve.

5. What is your opinion about mandatory sentencing? (100 word limit)

Judges follow the law.  I won't legislate from the bench.  If a mandatory sentence is on the book in a case, I'll enforce that mandatory sentence.  I believe that "innocent until proven guilty" isn't just a cliché + it's the right of every individual before the court.  I'll give criminals the sentences they deserve + nothing more and nothing less.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer must not exceed 100 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 8, 2008 13:59
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