League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Lori-Ann C. Jones Answers Questions Candidate for Judge, Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 84

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

Questions & Answers

1. Please provide a brief list of your qualifications in bullet format. (No more than 25 words for this section.)

• Two and half years of running my own courtroom
• Nineteen years of daily courtroom experience
• Criminal and Civil Court experience

2. How much flexibility should judges have in determining the length of sentences? (No more than 150 words total for questions 2 and 3.)

Judges are required to work within the guidelines set down by the law, which sets sentencing ranges. Judges are permitted to and must exercise individual discretion when sentencing. People have individual circumstances, and sentences should not be administered like a cookie cutter. A judge should give each case individual thought and consideration prior to sentencing.

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.)

Of course, each defendant has a general right to a trial open to the public and the media. However, a judge should determine on an individual basis whether it is appropriate for cameras or sound-recording equipment to be allowed in the courtroom. The public's right to know should be balanced against the requirement to maintain the dignity of the proceedings and respect for the individual parties.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 8, 2008 18:06
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