NEW MEXICO JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT POSITION 1
Justice of the Supreme Court serves as one of five justices on the highest court in New Mexico. It is the court of last resort and has supervisory control over all lesser courts and attorneys licensed in the state. Required to hear appeals from the Public Regulation Commission, election challenges and criminal cases when a defendant is sentenced to the death penalty or life imprisonment. Has discretionary authority to review rulings of the Court of Appeals and questions of law certified to it by the Court of Appeals or federal court. Must be 35 years old, have practiced law for 10 years, and have resided in New Mexico for the last three years. Elected statewide for eight-year term.
1. Have you been endorsed by the Judicial Nominating Commission?
Yes. I was endorsed by the Bi-Partisan Judicial Nominating Commission in November 2020 for the position I currently hold and appointed by the Governor
2. What qualifies you for this position?
Serving on New Mexico’s two highest courts, along with my over two decades in private practice helping New Mexican families and small businesses. As a judge, I have authored more than 125 opinions and decided hundreds of other cases in all areas of the law. While in private practice, I co-chaired the State Bar’s Ethics Advisory Committee and now serve as the Supreme Court’s liaison to the Disciplinary Board. I previously served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Opinions Committee, dedicated to advising judges on their responsibilities under the Code of Judicial Conduct.
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3. What policies are needed to keep the judiciary independent from political influence?
Public financing of judicial races is the most important policy necessary to retain judicial independence and deter political influence. In 2021, the Legislature expanded public financing to all district court races. NM is the only state that provides public financing for both statewide and district court judicial races. Public financing alleviates concerns that a judge’s decision was influenced by a large campaign contribution and promotes public trust in our judicial system. For that reason, I’ve applied for and secured public financing in my efforts to retain my seat on the Supreme Court.
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4. What improvements, if any, are needed in the Supreme Court?
Access and transparency. Expanding virtual hearings is cost effective, increases access, saves money for citizens, and increases legal service options to underrepresented communities. Virtual hearings reduce the time parties have to take off work to attend and eliminate transportation and childcare issues. Allowing unrepresented parties to e-file pleadings also expands access. Live-streaming Supreme Court oral arguments increases transparency, as the public can see our work. Expanding our outreach to NM’s schools teaches students about the role of the courts and the rule of law in our society.