League of Women Voters of Ohio
Hamilton County, OH November 7, 2006 Election
	James T. "Jim" O'Reilly Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term Starting 2/10/07

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)

Appeals courts are the last stop for justice when mistakes are made. Appeals judges must be real experts on statutory and constitutional law. My 25 years teaching law, 32 books and U.S. Supreme Court recognition as an expert prepared me for a fair and intelligent evaluation of each appeal.

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

Professionals should survey why this county's courts aren't accepted in all our communities as being fair, user-friendly public servants. The courthouse patronage system is wrong. Alienation is felt by many residents, a "them vs. us" view of the insider ways of operating our courthouse. Experts should analyze the case assignment processes this court uses, and weigh the use of civil mediators, to improve the flow of cases. We must improve the depth and quality of the reasoning and timeliness of appeals. Why not hire the best and brightest competitively, regardless of party or neighborhood loyalties?

3. What is your policy regarding the referral of civil cases to mediation, arbitration or a visiting judge? (150 word limit)

I have worked for decades as an arbitrator and have written official opinions about disputes, e.g. Hamilton County Sheriffs' deputies labor disputes with the county. I am a strong advocate for the benefits of resolving disputes fairly and simply. Costs are saved, results are faster, and outcomes are more tailored to satisfy each side. I support reducing trial court costs and caseloads by using this court's appellate powers to confirm the prudent use of the mediation and arbitration alternatives. I favor experimenting with early mediation of civil appeals to seek early settlement where possible. No system is perfect for all cases, but it makes sense to try new ways to save the public's tax dollars, while enhancing the impression that this county's court system actually cares for the citizenry and their needs for fair and prompt justice. Residents want intelligent improvements in our system, not just today's status quo.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. 150 Word limits apply for each question. 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 3, 2006 08:07
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