Lecture Notes: State Supreme Court Candidate Forum

Introduction

• Event: Columbian Editorial Board's forum with state Supreme Court candidates
• Moderator: Greg Jane, Editorial Page Editor
• Purpose: Candidates introduce themselves and discuss key policy issues

Candidate Introductions

Dave Larson

• Background: 16 years as a trial judge, 23 years as a trial lawyer
• Goals:
  • Improve the court system and its administration
  • Advocate for trial courts and communities, especially regarding addiction and mental illness
  • Bring diversity of thought to the Supreme Court

Sal Mungia

• Background: 40 years practicing law, extensive experience in appellate courts
• Endorsements: By over 130 judges and 7 bar associations
• Goals:
  • Ensure fair and accurate application of law
  • Promote justice and follow constitutional principles

Discussion on Recent Court Decisions

Blake Decision

• Sal Mungia's View:

  • Agrees with the majority decision; law violated due process
  • Supports federal and state consistency

• Dave Larson's View:

  • Criticizes the decision for lacking legislative intent
  • Emphasizes judicial restraint and believes decision undermined communities

Capital Gains Tax

• Dave Larson's View:
  • Considers it an income tax, not an excise tax
• Sal Mungia's View:
  • Supports majority decision that it is a proper tax

Other Judicial Topics

Mandatory Retirement Age

• Discussion: Constitutionality and practicality of judges retiring at 75
• Dave Larson's View:
  • Requires constitutional amendment
• Sal Mungia's View:
  • Supports mandatory retirement to maintain judiciary efficacy

Election vs. Appointment

• Both candidates support electing judges to ensure public involvement and understanding of candidates

Judicial Education and Public Financing

• Dave Larson's Proposal:
  • Judicial Elections Commission to educate voters
  • Advocates for public financing to ensure fair elections without undue influence

Court's Role in Pre-Ballot Review of Initiatives

• Consensus: Courts should only review after passage to avoid advisory opinions

Final Pitches

Sal Mungia

• Emphasizes commitment to equity and justice
• Endorsed broadly by labor unions and judicial peers

Dave Larson

• Advocates for judicial independence and adherence to law
• Emphasizes the need for judiciary to address addiction and mental health
• Endorsed by law enforcement and civil rights leaders

Closing Thoughts

• Both candidates emphasize the importance of public trust and the judiciary's role in upholding law and justice.
• The dialogue highlights differing perspectives on judicial philosophy and the role of personal belief in legal decisions.