League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Helen Kim Answers Questions Candidate for Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 76

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

Questions & Answers

1. What specific personal qualities make you especially qualified to be a judge?

I am uniquely qualified because I serve in a quasi-judicial role in my current job by independently evaluating hundreds of cases to determine whether to criminally prosecute an individual and if there is sufficient evidence to prove that individual guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

2. Do you favor alternative sentences for non-violent offenders in view of the current prisoner overcrowding problems, and if so, what options should be available?

Alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders is a viable solution to reduce the chance that a non-violent criminal will continue in a life of crime; this type of solution means that a non-violent criminal is rehabilitated and becomes a productive member of society. Moreover, this allows the state to allocate resources more effectively on fighting violent crime. I have experienced the positive results of alternative sentencing with drug court. Individuals who complete the program are given a second chance to become productive members of society. However, self-motivation is the key to the success of any alternative sentencing. I believe that motivational programs in conjunction with alternative sentencing will produce a higher success rate.

Judges who take the time to praise and support alternative sentencing instill a sense of pride to each individual who is part of this program.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: March 31, 2014 14:13
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