League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 2, 2010 Election
	Martha Good Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term

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

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

Since graduating #1 in my class from U.C. Law 25-years ago, I have been a U.S. Court of Appeals Mediator, Public Defender, Arbitrator, Judicial Law Clerk, Law School and Political Science Professor, making me uniquely qualified for the Ohio Court of Appeals.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

My academic background will ensure that my opinions will be based on the correct analysis of the law, without regard for ideology. Each case will be decided strictly on its merits. I will streamline the appellate process to make it more efficient, accessible and understandable. I will issue written opinions as promptly as possible, consistent with thorough deliberation. Finally, I will speak to school and community groups about the role of courts in a democracy so that they citizens can better understand the importance of the judiciary in keeping our constitutional system alive and well.

3. How do you define "judicial independence," and how important is it to our judicial system? What measures ensure an independent judiciary? (150 word limit)

Judicial independence means deciding each case strictly on its own merits and in accordance with the law. It means all decisions must be consistent with the US and Ohio Constitutions and laws rather than being decided on the basis of any predetermined political agenda or personal beliefs. Such independence is necessary to ensure that the Courts and their decisions are considered legitimate. It is one of the most important bedrocks of our democracy because it ensures that disputes will be resolved in a manner that is fair and impartial, and that the citizens respect and comply with the court's rulings.

4. Would you recuse yourself if a party before you had made a significant judicial campaign expenditure toward your election? Please explain. (150 words)

Yes. I would recuse myself anytime that a party before me made any significant campaign expenditure toward my election.

5. What do you perceive to be the greatest obstacle to justice in Ohio? (150 words)

When I began law school in 1981 one month before the birth of my first son, I did not envision becoming a judge. But I was deeply committed to the protection everyone's constitutional rights and ensuring equal justice for all. One of the reasons I wanted to be a lawyer was in order to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. As one of the first Human Rights Fellows at University of Cincinnati College of Law, I had the opportunity to meet distinguished visitors and learn about human rights issues throughout the world. But it was not until I worked as a public defender years later that I realized the extent of the serious flaws in our own justice system and its administration. I came to realize that the front line in the battle to achieve international human rights is right here in Hamilton County.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 19, 2010 10:11
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.