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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 18


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 Daviann L. Mitchell:

My experience has ranged from police officer, to state Supreme Court judicial clerk, to civil litigation and finally to a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County Hardcore Gang Division. I have tried over 140 jury trials where the majority of my trials have involved gang murder, domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Of the 100+ felonies I have tried, I have a 95% conviction rate. I am in the courtroom daily and keep current on the changes in the law.

The public deserves the best candidate that has the ability to perform the job at the highest level. I am that candidate.

Answer from John C. Gutierrez:

My qualifications are a total of 23 years of a diverse legal and judicial background, including 13 years in my current sworn judicial position as State Administrative Law Judge.

Prior experience as a former criminal prosecutor for the County of .Los Angeles; criminal defense and civil attorney; insurance defense counsel; school counsel and represented injured workers.

I have a proven record for judicial integrity, fairness, impartiality good temperament and respect for the dignity of all.


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 John C. Gutierrez:

Effective use of criminal proceedings and mandatory settlement conferences, focusing on real issues, eliminating issues not relevantt or material. Require preparation to deal efficiently with pre-trial matters in a timely and judicious manner.

Direct parties to stipulate on agreed upon facts and issues reducing number of issues, avoiding expensive and lengthy trials that bog down our judicial system.

Facilitate mediation, empowering civil litigants to resolve issues inexpensively; provide pleasant and comfortable jury rooms.

Answer from Daviann L. Mitchell:

I would consistently move cases forward without jeopardizing the party's ability to properly prepare or properly present their case. Respect and cooperation between the court, parties, and juries are essential. Each court day will begin promptly and will be full and productive.


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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