League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
State of Ohio November 4, 2008 Election
	Evelyn L. Stratton Answers Questions Candidate for Justice; Ohio State Supreme Court; 6 Year Term Starting 1/2/09

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 is your response to research indicating that judicial decisions tend to favor large campaign contributors?

I believe this portrays an inaccurate perception of the judiciary that is fueled by the media, not by reality. A New York Times article, published two years ago, reported that I had voted in favor of my contributors in 55% of the cases in which I participated through March 2006. This was the lowest percentage attributed to any justice identified. However, this also indicated that in 45% of those cases I had voted against those who had contributed to my campaign. The vast majority of the contributions to my last campaign were $100 or less. In addition, there are now campaign limits of $3000 per person and $5500 per political action committee. These limits greatly reduce the ability of a contributor to use the size of a contribution to influence a judge's decision.

2. Do you believe that all Ohioans have adequate access to legal help and the legal system? If not, what can be done to provide wider and better access?

No. The availability of legal resources for those unable to afford an attorney is a problem in Ohio. In an effort to help persons gain access to the courts, the Supreme Court of Ohio supports the Legal Aid Society and provides financial assistance to the group. The Court is in the process of developing legal forms to assist persons in legal matters which should result in better access to the courts. I also have supported efforts to recruit and train attorneys to provide pro bono services to qualified homeowners in foreclosure cases. Attorneys should be encouraged to assist those who cannot afford an attorney in all areas of the law. I will also focus efforts on pro bono services for Ohio's military veterans and reserve troops in my work on mental health court reforms.

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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 4, 2008 00:29
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