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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
Personal Qualities,
Access to the Legal System
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experiences and personal qualities best equip you to serve as judge?
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Answer from Shannon Knight:
I routinely handle very serious felony cases with complex legal and factual issues, so I know the law and will apply the law in a fair and unbiased manner. I also hold myself to the highest ethical standards, and will treat everyone who comes before me with the respect and courtesy they deserve.
Answer from Matt Schonbrun:
As a courtroom trial prosecutor, I am in court every single work day. I work hand in hand, day in and day out with Judges, courtroom personnel, defense attorneys and jurors. I possess over 10,000 hours of courtroom experience and have tried close to 60 jury trials to verdict. I instruct new prosecutors in trial skills and oral advocacy and always make myself available to help younger, newer prosecutors learn what it means to be an ethical, honest and zealous advocate for the People. In addition to my experience spent in court, I have also developed the appropriate judicial temperament. I am slow to anger and strive to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. Acting with humility is important to me and I feel there is no room for ego in a calling such as this. It is the combination of my courtroom experience and my personality and temperament that makes me the ideal candidate for Superior Court Judge.
Answer from Andrea C. Thompson:
After 27 years as a Deputy District Attorney, I have the experience and maturity to make an outstanding Superior Court judge. I've successfully prosecuted many complex, highly publicized cases including serial rapes and child homicides. I bring integrity, a strong sense of justice, an even temperament and common sense to make intelligent legal decisions.
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2. Do you believe that all citizens have adequate access to legal help and the legal system? If not, what can be done to provide wider and better access?
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Answer from Shannon Knight:
In these difficult financial times, I will work as efficiently as possible to try to ensure that everyone has access to the justice system and an opportunity to be heard.
Answer from Matt Schonbrun:
Based on my time spent in a courtroom, and witnessing so many different types of people from every walk of life, race, ethnicity, gender etc. I do feel that our legal system is available to every citizen. No matter what language a person speaks who appears in court, the Court provides a certified court interpreter. Languages that I have not even heard of before, have been spoken and interpreters provided so that everyone who appears before the judge may feel comfortable and participate in the proceedings.
Answer from Andrea C. Thompson:
Inadequate funding has severely impacted our courts. Earlier this year, I participated in "Stand Up for Justice" to support equal judicial access to all.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.
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
