Collin County, like the rest of Texas, elects its judges. The courts these judges preside over are a part of government few of us get to see, and even fewer know how to choose who to vote for.
This year only one judge is facing primary opposition. Judge Charles Sandoval of the 380th District court is being challenged by McKinney attorney Suzanne Wooten.
Primary races for judges can be interesting. The smaller turnout in a primary makes it possible for a relatively small group to exert a large influence over the outcome of a judicial election.
In Collin County one of the most influential groups is the Bar Association. The lawyers of the local Bar practice their trade in front of elected judges every day - and they form an opinion. Every 2 years, the local bar surveys its members in an attempt to rate every sitting judge.
How highly is Judge Sandoval rated by those lawyers who work in his court? Not very high.
This year, Sandoval received the overall lowest rating of any local judge. If this Bar Poll is any indication, the judge will soon need to find another line of work. However, the Bar Poll is not an infallible indicator of re-electability. A good example of the poll missing its mark would be the 2005 primary in which 2 judges (John Barry and Jerry Lewis) won re-election despite dismal Bar Poll ratings.
The Bar Survey asked a series of questions to which the respondents would rate the judges as "Excellent", "Acceptable" or "Needs Improvement".
One key question asked, "Is this judge impartial?" Only 12% of the lawyers rated Sandoval as "Excellent", while 46% believe he "Needs Improvement". Judge Dan Wilson was rated the highest, with 78% rating him as "Excellent".
In "How would you describe this judge's overall performance?" Sandoval again earned the lowest "Excellent" rating at only 12%. Judge Henderson was highest ranked at 80% "Excellent".
Highest and lowest Excellent ratings were:
Question Highest Lowest Is this judge hard working? Judge Henderson-96% Judge Sandoval-17% Does this judge issue timely opinions? Judge Henderson-84% Judge Lewis-28% Is this judge available during normal business hours? Judge Henderson-87% Judge Sandoval-19% Is this judge impartial? Judge Wilson-78% Judge Sandoval-12% Does this judge ignore irrelevant considerations such as race, gender,
politics, or identity or residence of the lawyers?Judge Henderson-84% Probate Judge Copeland-84% Judge Sandoval-18% Does this judge ignore irrelevant considerations such as race, gender,
politics, or identity or residence of the parties?Probate Judge Copeland-84% Judge Sandoval-18% Are the judge's rulings consistent across cases? Probate Judge Copeland-81% Judge Sandoval-10% Does this judge ensure that any court specific rules, procedures, or
requirements are available to anyone who appears before the court?Judge Henderson-88% Judge Sandoval-17% Does this judge correctly apply the law? Judge Henderson-73% Judge Sandoval-14% Does this judge display the ability to comprehend legal concepts? Judge Henderson-84% Judge Sandoval-27% Does this judge display the ability to analytically reach decisions? Judge Henderson-84% Judge Sandoval-24% Does this judge display proper judicial temperament and demeanor? Judge Henderson-84% Judge Sandoval-27% Does this judge treat lawyers appearing before the court with courtesy
and respect?Judge Wilson-88% Judge Sandoval-31% Does this judge treat parties appearing before the court with courtesy
and respect?Judge Wilson-90% Judge Sandoval-33% Judge Lewis-33% How would you describe this judge's overall performance? Judge Henderson-80% Judge Sandoval-12%
The complete 2007 Bar Poll results are here
The complete 2005 Bar Poll results are here
Bill
You can observe a lot by just watching.
Yogi Berra
It is my hope that this forum will serve as an acute observer of Collin County government, leading to the return of the county to those it is supposed to serve.
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