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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 144


The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an Inter-League Organization and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Experience, Court Process

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.


1. How have your previous career experiences prepared you to be a Superior Court judge?

Answer from David W. Stuart:

As a Superior Court prosecutor, I have not been limited to serving the wishes of any particular client. Unlike the lawyer in private practice, a prosecutor's client is always the People of the State of California. Thus, my only mission has been to ensure that justice is done in every case. This valuable experience has uniquely prepared me to perform the duties of a Superior Court Judge, whose mission is also fairness and justice in every case.

Answer from Janis Levart Barquist:

I have a broad range of experience in many different areas of the law, with an emphasis on labor relations (working on both the management and labor sides), discrimination, commercial, trade secret and civil rights litigation.

Today, it is equally important to negotiate a settlement as to litigate. I have experience counseling clients and resolving disputes through arbitration and mediation.

Having represented all sides of disputes, I will come to the bench with no agenda. I am not only a defense lawyer, a plaintiff's lawyer, a government lawyer, or a prosecutor. I have a well-balanced background that will help me settle disputes in an even-handed and fair manner.


2. As a judge, what could you do to make the court process be a more efficient and positive experience for plaintiffs, defendants,lawyers and the jury?

Answer from Janis Levart Barquist:

As a Judge Pro Tem, I manage my courtroom efficiently for all participants, recognizing the commitments of jurors, attorneys, law enforcement personnel and litigants, and respecting their lives and duties outside the legal system. I will continue to do this when elected Judge.

Answer from David W. Stuart:

As a judge, I will ensure that everyone entering my courtroom will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I will make every effort to be responsive to the needs of jurors by keeping them informed of the proceedings and not wasting their time. My goal as a judge is to help citizens see that jury duty can be a rewarding experience and not simply time wasted away from work.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidate answers are presented as submitted except that direct or indirect reference to opponents is not permitted.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.


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Created: January 4, 2007 09:34 PST
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