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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualifications,
Sentencing,
Media coverage
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. Please provide a brief list of your qualifications in bullet format. (No more than 25 words for this section.)
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Answer from Cynthia Loo:
- Appointed in 2000 to perform duties of a Juvenile Court Judge
- 2004 Outstanding Judicial Officer
- Recognition: “Distinguished Professor and Extraordinary Community Leader”
Answer from Thomas Rubinson:
- 17 years, Deputy District Attorney
- 6 years, Hardcore Gang Division
- 88 felony jury trials
- Promoted to leadership/management roles
- Demonstrated commitment to community service
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2. How much flexibility should judges have in determining the length of sentences? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.)
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Answer from Thomas Rubinson:
Judges should enjoy significant flexibility in sentencing, but not unlimited flexibility. The People, through the Legislature, have the right to set the general parameters as to the range within which the judge must select a sentence. But the judge must retain flexibility within that range, as it is the judge who knows each individual defendant, case, criminal history, and individual's circumstances, all of which are relevant factors for determining the appropriate sentence.
Answer from Cynthia Loo:
Studies suggest that sentences more likely to deter future crime are both proportionate to the crime and address the underlying causes of an offense. Therefore, judicial flexibility in sentencing is beneficial so a sentence can be tailored to the crime and the accused. Take for example, a sentence for a drug addicted youth accused of theft. Rather than three years of incarceration, a sentence to a six months residential program that included drug counseling, educational and vocational services is more likely to reduce future criminality.
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3. Should more trials be covered by TV and radio? How would you handle media coverage in your courtroom? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.)
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Answer from Cynthia Loo:
While the public has a right to know what occurs in an adult criminal trial, such should not be done where the presence of the media diverts the attention of jurors, attorneys and judge away from a fair hearing. In my small courtroom, I’ve allowed a newspaper reporter to observe, yet ordered no faces of the youth be photographed, nor specific identifying information be reported.
Answer from Thomas Rubinson:
I am in favor of TV and radio covering trials, so long as it is done responsibly. The goal should be to educate the public as to our legal system, not to create sensationalistic tabloid material. As a judge, I would generally look favorably upon applications for TV and radio coverage, unless it appeared that such coverage would prejudice either side, reduce the chance of a just outcome, or pose a security risk to anyone.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Until 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2008,
candidates for Superior Court Judge must limit their answers to 175
words total for all questions so that a paper Voters Guide may be
published. Specific word limits are as follows: 25 words for
question 1; 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.
After 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2008, word limits will no longer apply.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League or by
Smart Voter, and must comply with California law as stated in California
Election Code sections 13307 and 13308. Candidates are restricted to
identifying their own qualifications and may not comment on any other
candidate’s qualifications, character, or activities.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
