League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Hilleri Grossman Merritt Answers Questions Candidate for Judge, Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 72

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.)

• Rated "Well Qualified"; Los Angeles County Bar Association
• 14 Years as a Deputy District Attorney
• Prosecuted 120 Criminal Trials
• D.A. of the Month June, 2006

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 should have the discretion to impose the appropriate punishment based on each particular case, yet there should be consistency on the bench, so that there is fairness and equality in the justice system. For most crimes, a judge can choose from the imposition of probation all the way to different terms in the state prison. For the most serious and violent crimes, defendants receive life sentences.

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.)

The decision whether or not to broadcast a particular trial must be made on a case by case basis. The rights of the media to broadcast court proceedings, the privacy rights of victims and witnesses to crimes and the rights of the accused to receive a fair trial must be balanced. Of course, all such hearings are open to the public, and anyone can come to court and observe any trial.

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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: October 28, 2008 15:36
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