The Role of the Judge

By Faye D'Opal

Selecting a judge can best be done with an understanding of the role of a Judge in Marin Courts. Following is information concerning the current case load, the actual limited number of jury trials taken to verdict and the ever-increasing need for a judge who understands how to move cases along effectively and fairly.

Approximately eight-tenths of one percent (.008%) of all the cases handled by the court during that twelve month period were disposed of by jury trial. Of these case filings, a total of 153 cases were disposed of by jury trial: 119 were criminal, including 71 vehicular-related misdemeanors, 14 were personal injury cases and 20 all other civil proceedings. Over 98% of the cases filed annually in our court are dismissed or settled, resulting in less than 2% of all the cases going to court or jury trial. Based upon the actual statistics of the Marin Courts, there are very few jury trials that proceed all the way to verdict.

In the context of mediation, arbitration and, more recently the mandatory settlement conferences for all cases, my case load parallels that of the civil cases heard daily in the Marin Courts. My proven successful record of both settling and trying cases is due to my hands-on familiarity with our state Rules of Evidence and knowing the law and evidence of each case.