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Santa Clara County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
Smart Voter

How to Choose a Judge

By Alexis Cerul

Candidate for Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 5

This information is provided by the candidate
How do you choose a Judge? I think the answer is quite simple. You want to choose a Judge who is like you. Most of us, mercifully, will never be caught up in the legal system. So for you, a Judge is someone who judges others. You are absolutely entitled to want your judges to do what you would do if you had the choice. But at the same time there is no need to be excessively punitive or reflexively severe with nonviolent crimes.

Since all of us either have been, or have friends or family who have been, touched by crime, we want our Judges to be tough on real criminals. This is a given. But at the same time there is no need to be excessively punitive or reflexively severe. The ultimate goal is public safety. So if someone who commits a minor crime can be reformed with probation and treatment programs then this is better than sending them to prison if they will only commit more crimes when released. (It is also less expensive.)

In addition to criminal law the Superior Court handles every other type of legal dispute that occurs. If an insurance company is denying you coverage, or undervaluing your claim, you want a judge who has been in your shoes. If your credit card company is taking undue advantage, you want a judge who can understand. If you are caught up in family court you want a judge who will take the time to figure out what is really going on.

Now all of the above is easy enough to say. But how do you know which candidate is right for you? What I can offer is to let you get to know me a little better and then you will be able to decide for yourself. Please visit my website and follow the links at the bottom of the page with this same title.

Visit http://www.Cerul4Judge.com for more information.

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ca/scl Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 16, 2012 22:12
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