Judicial Candidates
Below are candidates running for judicial offices in Washington. Click on the candidate to learn more.
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Supreme Court Justice Position 9
Richard Sanders
Address:
PO Box 693
Centralia, WA 98531
Telephone:
(206) 999-9350
Evening Telephone:
(206) 999-9350
Campaign Telephone:
(253) 303-1604
Website:
http://www.friendsofjustice.com/
Blog:
http://www.justicesanders.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/richardsanders2012/
Marital Status:
Single
Number of Children:
1 daughter.
Education/Schools Attended:
B.S. and J.D., University of Washington
Occupation:
Attorney/Self
Previous Office Held:
I served on the Supreme Court until 2011, first elected in 1995; and reelected in 1998 and 2004. I wrote more opinions than any other current Justice.
Civic Memberships:
I frequently lectured and wrote many legal articles and opinion pieces explaining our constitutional rights.
Organizational Memberships:
Boy Scouts
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
The proper role of the state Supreme Court is to protect the individual rights of the litigants before it. The court must be impartial, which is to say it must not give preference to a party such as the government, and must not assume the government is right when in reality it is violating the rights of the private citizen. Unfortunately our courts have this tendency. The court should apply existing law to the facts of each case, not embark on some social or political agenda however popular that may seem.
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
The Washington Constitution begins by saying it is the purpose of government to protect and maintain individual rights. That is exactly what I did. There is constant pressure by the government to violate the rights of the private citizen, and I always resisted it. DSHS wanted to terminate parental rights in some cases where the parent was fit but the case worker preferred another alternative. This is a violation of parental rights and I fought it. The court also recognized a "defacto" parent with rights superior to the natural parent. I strongly dissented from this view with Justice Jim Johnson. The court barely upheld DOMA from constitutional challenge. I cast the deciding vote to uphold DOMA.
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Sheryl Gordon McCloud
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Chelan Superior Court Judge Position 3
Alicia Nakata
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Travis Brandt
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Clallam Superior Court Judge Position 1
Christopher Melly
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Erik Rohrer
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Court of Appeals, Division 2, District 2 Judge Position 2
Pamela (Pam) Loginsky
Address:
People for Pam Loginsky
PO Box 388
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Evening Telephone:
(360) 908-1530
Campaign Telephone:
(360) 908-1530
Email:
pamloginsky@wavecable.com
Website:
http://www.PamLoginsky.com/
Marital Status:
Single
Education/Schools Attended:
Juris Doctorate received June 1988. University of Washington School of Law.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology received in 1985. University of Washington.
Bachelor of Science in Sociology received in 1982. Regents College, The University of the State of New York, now known as Excelsior College
Associates of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology received in 1981. George Washington University, Washington
Occupation:
Staff Attorney, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Military Service:
United State Navy Hospital Corpsman (June 1976 to November 1982)
Current Office Held:
None
Previous Office Held:
None
Organizational Memberships:
Washington Pattern Jury Instruction Committee (August 2002 to present)
Practice of Law Board (June 2002- June 2005)
Washington Appellate Lawyers Association (2001 to present)
Kitsap County Bar Association, Prior Trustee
Thurston County Bar Association
Government Lawyers Bar Association
Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation
Volunteer Services:
Congregation Beth Hatikvah, Bremerton, Washington. Board Member (2000-2002). President (2002-2003). Financial Manager (2011-2012)
Kitsap County Humane Society (2010 to present)
Benedict House, Bremerton, Washington
YMCA Mock Trial Competition (1990 to present)
Kitsap County Volunteer Attorney Services, Board of Directors (1996-1998)
Charitable knitting, including participation in Project Linus and Helmet Liners for Troops
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
Chief Justice John G. Roberts
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
The Court of Appeals is an error correcting court. Its role is to faithfully apply the Washington Constitution, the United States Constitution and statutes as written.
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
I believe that the judiciary's responsibility is to interpret the constitution and statutes. In doing so, the judiciary must be careful to honor the legislature's intent, especially when the policy is one that the judge may personally disagree with.
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Thomas Bjorgen
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Jefferson Superior Court Judge Position 1
Keith Harper
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Peggy Ann Bierbaum
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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King Superior Court Judge Position 42
Christopher Washington
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Sue Parisien
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Kitsap Superior Court Judge Position 7
Jennifer Forbes
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Karen Klein
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Kittitas Superior Court Judge Position 1
Jim Denison
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Fran Chmelewski
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Pacific, Wahkiakum Superior Court Judge Position 1
Dennis ordon WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
Address:
117 N Welcome Slough Rd
Cathlamet, WA 98612
Telephone:
(360) 437-4127
Email:
durgan@olympus.net
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Thurston Superior Court Judge Position 2
Christine Schaller
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Jim Johnson
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Thurston Superior Court Judge Position 4
Erik Price
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Indu Thomas
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
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Whatcom Superior Court Judge Position 2
David Grant
Address:
2075 Barkley Blvd, Suite 260
Bellingham, WA 98226
Campaign Telephone:
(360) 325-1916
Email:
GrantforSuperiorCourt@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.GrantforSuperiorCourt.com/
Facebook:
http://Facebook.com/GrantforSuperiorCourt/
Marital Status:
Married
Spouse:
Linda
Number of Children:
2 sons.
Education/Schools Attended:
Law Degree, University of Nebraska; Master’s Degree, Criminal Justice, Michigan State University; Bachelor’s Degree, Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska.
Occupation:
Judge, District Court, Whatcom County
Current Office Held:
District Court Judge
Organizational Memberships:
Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center; District & Municipal Court Judges’ Association; Washington Pilots Association; American Radio Relay League (ARRL); Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Volunteer Services:
Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, Board Member; Washington Pilots Association, North Sound Chapter Treasurer.
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
When I read appellate decisions, I do not focus on who wrote the opinion. My focus instead is on the opinion itself, the conclusions reached, and the reasoning behind those conclusions of law. As a trial judge my role is to apply the law, which includes the decisions and guidance of our appellate courts, regardless of who may have written the opinion. While dissenting opinions are also useful in providing insights as to questions which still may be unresolved or which may arise from the Court’s decision, once again, the particular author is less important than the conclusions reached and the rationale for those conclusions. So, at the end of the day, I don’t feel comfortable picking one particular Justice who may best reflect my personal views.
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
Superior Courts are our state’s Constitutionally created trial courts of general jurisdiction. They are designed to serve the public by resolving disputes between people, as well as people and entities such as the government itself. Superior Courts resolve alleged violations of our criminal laws and clarify or determine legal rights such as providing for adoptions, name changes. They also act as appellate courts reviewing the decisions of courts of limited jurisdiction and certain governmental administrative decisions. Superior Courts, just like our courts of limited jurisdiction, such as the District Court, serve the public by protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed by our Washington and United States Constitutions.
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
Judges are the cornerstone of our justice system. At all times a judge must act fairly, impartially, and have the courage to reach the correct decision required by the law. A judge should not use his or her position to promote a political agenda. When applying and interpreting the law a judge should respect the legislature’s role and authority to enact and change laws. However, it is the court’s duty to make sure that laws, rules and regulations conform to the overarching principles and guidance of the people as expressed in the Washington and United States Constitutions.
A good judge is a good listener, and is courteous and respectful to all who appear before the court. When announcing a decision, it is important to explain it clearly. Clear explanation promotes understanding and respect for the law and the decisions made.
In addition to having been a judge for over seven years, I served for three years as a Police Officer. I also served for 18 years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, 12 of those years were devoted solely to criminal prosecution. I know it is important that those convicted of crimes must be held accountable for their actions. Sentences must be fair, follow the law and encourage law-abiding behavior. A judge should consider the circumstances and needs of the community, the victim, and the offender in hopes of reaching an outcome that is just and appropriate in each case.
As an elected judge, I am accountable to the citizens for my actions. I strive at all times to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the court. I perform my judicial and administrative duties without bias or prejudice, and conduct my judicial actions and personal affairs in an ethical manner.
Judges also must work to improve the legal system. They have a responsibility to help lead the judicial branch of government and improve the court through innovation, procedural transparency, and heightened access to justice. While judges cannot give legal advice or counsel, we must nonetheless do our best to make our courts accessible to all and inform the public as to how to conduct their business with the court.
Finally, I realize the law is not a stagnant thing; it changes and evolves over time. A judge must stay abreast of new appellate court decisions that affect the law as well as changes in the law itself. I am always willing to undertake in-depth legal research to solve legal questions posed to me and arrive at well reasoned decisions. It is my responsibility to the law and the people I serve.
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Deborra Garrett
Address:
PO Box 943
Bellingham, Wa 98227
Evening Telephone:
(360) 733-0127
Campaign Telephone:
(360) 733-0127
Email:
info@dgarrettforjudge.com
Website:
http://www.dgarrettforjudge.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/garrettforjudge/
Marital Status:
Single
Number of Children:
1 son.
1 daughter.
Education/Schools Attended:
George Washington University National Law Center, J.D. 1976
Pennsylvania State University, B.A. 1972
Occupation:
Attorney, Zender Thurston, PS
Organizational Memberships:
Washington State Bar Association
Whatcom County Bar Association, President, 2012
National Employment Lawyers Association, 1985-2012
Washington Women Lawyers
Volunteer Services:
• Coach, Meridian High School Mock Trial team, 2001 – present
• Whatcom County Superior Court Budget and Efficiency Committee, 2009-2012
• Whatcom County Superior Court Guardian ad Litem Committee, 1997 – approx 2004
• Whatcom County Superior Court Arbitration Panel, 1987 to present
• Hearing Officer, Washington State Bar Association, 1991 to approx 2002
• Represent Womencare Shelter as pro bono (volunteer) attorney since 1980
• Represent YWCA as pro bono (volunteer) attorney since approx. 1997
• Active participant in Law Advocates (representing people who cannot afford private attorneys) since 1987
• Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission member, 2009-present
• Bellingham Planning and Development Commission, 1987-1994
• Represented (as volunteer attorney) Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) before Washington Supreme Court as amicus curia (“Friend of the Court”) in Faust v. Albertson, 2009
• Board of Directors, Pickford Film Center, 2010 to present
• Participant in numerous community education events about law and courts
Judicial Candidate Profile
1. Which of the current Supreme Court Justices most reflects your judicial philosophy? (Chief John G Roberts; Antonin Scalia; Anthony M. Kennedy; Clarence Thomas; Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Stephen G. Breyer; Samuel Anthony Alito; Sonia Sotomayer; Elena Kagen)Candidate's Answer:
2. What is the proper role of the court for which you are seeking office?
Candidate's Answer:
The Superior Court’s primary role is to conduct hearings and trials effectively, and make fair decisions based on the facts of the case, the pertinent law, and the Constitution. People who appear in court should come away from the process knowing that their evidence and arguments were fairly heard and considered, regardless of the outcome of the proceedings.
3. What is your judicial philosophy?
Candidate's Answer:
While I know that our legal system can and does resolve conflict fairly, several decades of practice in Superior Court and the federal courts have shown me that the process isn’t automatic. The key to a fair courtroom is the judge’s leadership. The judge sets the standard by being thoroughly prepared for all courtroom matters; by treating parties and witnesses respectfully and listening carefully; and by making fair, honest decisions based on the evidence and the law. A judge must have high standards for the parties and for herself, and must not be reluctant to ask the hard questions and to apply the rules of procedure strictly to maintain a courtroom which functions efficiently and professionally.
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