Court of Appeals Associate Judge
Name: Judge Stephanie Casady
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
I have the most relevant experience for this position. I am already a judge. For the past 10 years, I have been making hard decisions about people’s lives. Each person is given the proper time and attention, so that they know the justice system has worked for them. For the person standing there, It’s the most important case in the world. I know what it’s like to look a person in the eyes and make a tough decision that impacts not only that person, but also their family. Appellate judges should have judicial experience. There is no substitute for judicial experience.
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
I am pursuing this position because I have the right experience and I want to serve the citizens of the district by being on the Court of Appeals. As a lawyer, I worked in many of the areas that make their way to the Court of Appeals. I was a deputy prosecutor, an attorney for abused and neglected children, a criminal defense attorney and a civil attorney. As a judge,
I’ve presided over 1000s of civil and criminal cases. This experience motivated me to pursue a position on the Court of Appeals.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
My opponent is not a judge and has no judicial experience. I have been elected by the citizens of Saline County to three terms. I have been serving the citizens of Saline County for ten years. I have a proven record of being fair and treating people with kindness and respect. Eleven years ago, I campaigned on the promise that I would respect the Constitution, follow the law and treat people right. I have done all of those things. My proven record and the trust I have earned from the voters make me the best candidate for the job.
Name:
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
I have been an attorney for nearly three decades. I represented clients all over Arkansas for the first ten years of my legal career, and since 2006 I have worked as a lawyer at the Court of Appeals for Judge Larry Vaught. Now, he is retiring. In my service to this specific court, I have worked on over 1,500 appeals and written over 500 draft opinions for Judge Vaught. His mentoring has been instrumental in preparing me for this job. I understand the importance of preserving the rule of law, issuing clear decisions, and leading by example.
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
My passion for equal justice and fair play consumes my life. It began in my early days playing basketball. Through hard work and dedication, this sport paid my way through college. I represented the United States overseas in international competition and later played professionally. The same passion I brought to the basketball court carried over into the court of law. I go to work every day understanding that people’s lives are in the balance. As an appellate judge, I will issue opinions that bring certainty and justice to families and victims of crime.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
I am uniquely qualified to serve in this position because of my extensive expertise in appellate law. But I also believe that voters want a person having a proven record in life. These are the words I live by: teamwork, communication, resilience, commitment, respect, hard work, and integrity. Each day I strive to live by example and to treat others with kindness, respect, and fairness. If elected, that is exactly my promise to the voters and to every party who comes before the Court of Appeals. I would be honored to have your vote.