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LWV League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
State of Ohio November 4, 2008 Election
Smart Voter

Peter M. Sikora
Answers Questions

Candidate for
Justice; Ohio State Supreme Court; 6 Year Term Starting 1/2/09

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

Questions & Answers

1. What is your response to research indicating that judicial decisions tend to favor large campaign contributors?

The strength of our judiciary rests in the confidence Ohioans have in the fairness and impartiality of the court. The legitimacy of the court is undermined when studies show people believe contributions influence decisions. There is a serious need to restore confidence in the court, based on the fact that Supreme Court Justices routinely sit on cases after receiving campaign contributions from the parties involved or from groups that filed supporting briefs. On average, they voted in favor of the contributors 70% of the time. This emphasizes the need for balance on the court + so that every citizen can be assured that all perspectives will be considered before decisions are made.

2. Do you believe that all Ohioans have adequate access to legal help and the legal system? If not, what can be done to provide wider and better access?

As a society we need to ensure that people have access to affordable quality legal assistance. It is incumbent upon all of us + as well as those in the legal profession + to come forward and assist those who can not afford representation. Specifically, this includes an increase in pro-bono efforts in the legal community.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer must not exceed 100 words. 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: October 4, 2008 00:29
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