League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Edward Nison Answers Questions Candidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Los Angeles; Office 29

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Why are you running for Superior Court Judge?

I have dedicated my career to public service as a criminal prosecutor. As a prosecutor you are in a unique position to insure that every case is handled in a manner to achieve justice. And while I have gotten great satisfaction from my role as a deputy district attorney in the judicial system, I believe that as a judge I will be in a position to even better insure that judicial system treats everyone in fair and evenhanded manner.

The judicial system can have a more direct and lasting impact on members of our society than any other branch of government. Whether it is the result of receiving a traffic ticket, being accused of a crime, being a victim of a crime, being a party in a civil proceeding or simply being a juror, the judicial system impacts many people on a daily basis. This is in addition to the impact courts have on society as a whole, when the constitutionality of various governmental actions are ruled upon. It is essential that judges act in a manner that instills confidence in the judicial system. This can only be achieved by insuring that all parties receive a fair hearing, and that a judge's decisions are based upon the merits of the case and not some personal agenda. I am committed to insuring all parties before me will have a fair hearing, and that decisions will be based upon the law and not my personal opinions, or my feelings towards any of the parties.

2. What are the personal qualities which best equip you to serve as a judge?

I believe that I have the necessary character and intellect for the position of Superior Court Judge. As a criminal prosecutor for eighteen years I have made critical decisions in an even-handed and unbiased manner. I have prosecuted violent gang crimes (eight years), environmental crimes (four years), and presently train prosecutors and police officers. I have always acted with honesty, integrity and fairness, and will bring those same qualities to the bench.

One of the problems that I see with the judicial system, and the criminal justice system in particular, is that some judges behave as if their actions can never be questioned. Their courtroom is their kingdom, and the public should not question their wisdom. I understand that while a judge cannot base decisions solely on public opinion, decisions made from the bench have practical consequences for the public,and those considerations must be taken in to account. Too often judges lose sight of the fact that their decisions impact people other than those appearing in court.

This is particularly true with regard to how the judicial system tends to treat victims of crimes and their families. Some judges act as if any recognition of the victim or victim's family will some how undermine a defendant's rights. There is something wrong with a system with fails to acknowledge those most directly affected by a defendant's conduct, the victims of the criminal acts. I am absolutely committed to insuring that the victims of crimes and their relatives are treated by the criminal justice system with dignity and fairness. This can be done without compromising any of the defendant's rights, it simply requires treating everyone who is impacted by a case with respect. Regardless of who it is, it is much easier for a person to accept a decision they do not agree with, when they know they were treated fairly.

I believe that one of my strengths, as a deputy district attorney, has been my ability to communicate with victims and/or their families. I have always done so in a manner that has allowed them to feel that regardless of the outcome in any given case, they were treated fairly by the District Attorney's Office. This has included everything from simply keeping the families informed of upcoming court dates, to insuring that they understand and have a realistic expectation of what will happen or has happened in a court proceeding. And while I have a reputation for being a strong and aggressive advocate, I also have a reputation for being honest and fair in dealing with the defense. I will bring that same level of commitment to the bench.