 |
|
|
|
| Susan J. Owens |
| |
| Candidate: State Supreme Court, Position 2 |
 |
| Susan J. Owens |
|
| |
| Age: 51 |
| |
| Residence: Forks |
| |
| Occupation: |
| |
District Court judge |
| |
| Education: |
| |
B.A., political science, Duke University; J.D., University of North Carolina |
| |
| Campaign Web site: www.forks-web.com/susansupreme |
| |
| Campaign theme: |
| |
Experience, leadership, common sense. |
| |
| Rating: Adequate |
| |
|
| |
| 1. |
Do you support the current system of electing judges? Why, or why not? |
|
| |
I support the current system of electing judges. The voters, while not perfect, do not seem to have any problems with electing legislators or other officials. Mistakes can be corrected the next election. I would endorse some "minimum" qualifications recommended by the Walsh Commission but I like the openness and accessibility of the current system. |
| |
| 2. |
Name a state Supreme Court ruling that you would have joined the majority on and explain why. |
|
| |
Washington State Republican Party v. Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. The voters are quite capable of deciding how to vote in particular elections. Restrictions on First-Amendment rights should be strictly scrutinized. Without analyzing each subtlety of this decision I agree that freedom of speech should be granted great latitude. |
| |
| 3. |
Name one where you would have dissented and explain why. |
|
| |
State of Washington v. Loreal Monique Kinzy. This is a case where hard facts make bad law. This young woman arguably shouldn't have been detained by police. But, to invalidate the police's community care-taking function is an unnecessary result. Police should be able to talk to people. Common sense must apply. Community policing is absolutely necessary. |
| |
| 4. |
Do you think judicial candidates should have more leeway in what they can say in a campaign, or do you support current restrictions? |
|
| |
Yes & No. Judges should never have to engage in partisan bickering. But we should have more leeway. Further debate should determine where we should draw the line. |
| |
| 5. |
What is the biggest problem facing the state court system and how would you address it? |
|
| |
Expense, delay and access. I would continue leadership currently active in studying this issue and follow through with the very practical, studious recommendations of Justice 2001 Committee. |
|
