League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Michael Flory Answers Questions Candidate for Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 12

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

Questions & Answers

1. Around the country, we've heard people stress the importance of "a fair and impartial judiciary," How would you define a fair and impartial judge and how would you work to ensure your impartiality?

In order for the justice system to work, the judges must be "fair and impartial." Clearly, judges will become or already are friends with some of the attorneys that appear before them. Additionally, judges have personal opinions on issues that they will rule on. In order for justice to be achieved, the judge must put aside his feelings of friendship and put aside his personal opinions of certain issues and rule strictly according to the letter of the law.

2. Judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the role of courts. How should they carry out that obligation?

I have been in court nearly everyday for almost 15 straight years. At least once a week students come by for civics lessons either alone, in a group or with their entire class. In Orange County, I have seen several fine judges take a significant amount of time to explain how the system works. Many judges call upon me, as a Deputy District Attorney, to explain what my role is in the courtroom. I would continue this tradition of explaining the court system to eager students. Additionally, I teach legal courses at police departments, to police associations and to my fellow Deputy District Attorneys. I believe teaching others is a great way to improve the publics understanding of the role of courts.

3. How do you deal with difficult people, including peers, lawyers, clients or litigants?

In a courtroom setting, all parties deserve to be heard. I will listen to all points of view prior to making a ruling. There must be order in the courtroom. If one of the parties is difficult to deal with I will explain the courtroom rules to them. If they still fail to obey the rules, I will take a break and let the party "cool down." If the party is still difficult, I will take the party into chambers with the court reporter and make a complete record. This way the difficult party will have a record of the situation for the appellate court. This should diffuse the situation.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 28, 2008 19:58
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