Recent events have created a lot of uneasiness among members of the legal profession in Bossier and Webster Parishes. Talk to some of them and you can sense the feeling of discontent and apprehension.
I’m referring, of course, to the race for District Judge in which Mike Craig defeated 20 year veteran Dewey Burchett.
It was more than a hard-fought race; it was a bitter race to the end.
The DA’s influence definitely came into play. I’m not saying that he ‘ran’ Mike Craig in a move to increase his own power base, but it cannot be denied that Schuyler Marvin has some stroke with the voters.
Burchett supporters are wondering what treatment they will receive in the courtroom. The other judges realize that they could be next. Other parish officials are sitting on the sidelines taking notes.
I believe that when Mike Craig becomes Judge Craig, he can do a lot to allay the fears and to restore equilibrium to the process, and I am confident that he will.
Marty Carlson expresses similar sentiments in The Forum. Carlson says:
“Allegations flew both ways in this race. Craig does have significant tax debt; Burchett has made a number of questionable rulings. But a good deal of insignificant minutiae also tainted both political campaigns, none of which was pertinent to the qualifications of the candidate.”
The Times has suggested that appointed judges are the answer. Carlson suggests that perhaps term limits would be the more suitable answer.
I like her idea better, although it will take a lot of thought to get it right.
I do not think any of us should be treated any differently because of who we vote for. We have a right to our own opinions and a right to vote for whomever we choose. If I decided to run for judge, I would expect there to be opposition. Like I have said before, a woman run for judge in Bossier -- this would be new!
ReplyDeleteI agree Jim, I hope a lot of these worries are eased once the new judge is on the bench.
A woman judge in Bossier/Webster? Now that's an interesting idea!
ReplyDeletethis article seems to be a little bit about fear mongering. dont expect the Da to treat any lawyer differently based on who they support politically. Just look at the DA's race in 2002-03. Lots of lawyers who did not even support the current da get fair, unbiased treatment from the da and ada's. Heck, i supported the da and lawyers who didnt get the same treatment as i do on a daily basis. In 6 years, i haven't seen the da be petty or biased in the courtroom - even when dealing with his own, past opposition. you can criticize the da for other things, but ive never seen this-- and I am in the courtroom almost every week in bossier parish.
ReplyDelete"this article seems to be a little bit about fear mongering"
ReplyDeleteNot really. The fears are out there, this article is attempting to soothe them somewhat:
"I believe that when Mike Craig becomes Judge Craig, he can do a lot to allay the fears and to restore equilibrium to the process, and I am confident that he will."
I don't think we need someone to run for judge when the ink on their law degree is still wet.
ReplyDelete