Candidates running for Cole County associate circuit judge and Cole County prosecutor were asked their positions on matters related to judicial and prosecutorial fairness at a candidate forum Thursday night.
Four local groups, Citizens Accountability Partners, Jefferson City Faith Voices, Capital Area National Organization of Women and Empower Missouri, joined together to sponsor the forum at Lincoln University.
The candidates were asked whether they believed a “school to prison pipeline” exists and what could be done to keep young people from getting into that system.
“This is where people who are not afforded the opportunity of access to a college or other higher education can often find themselves in prison,” Democrat prosecuting attorney candidate Deirdre “DK” Hirner said. “I firmly believe that if we get young people that access then they will have more chances to avoid prison, and if elected prosecutor, I would work to bring about programs to make that a reality.”
Republican prosecutor candidate Locke Thompson said: “It’s hard to not argue that criminal activity can go hand in hand with a lack of receiving an education. I believe a prosecutor should be reaching out and doing more to getting young people the education they need.”
“What I see in my practice is a lack of education and understanding by 15- to 17-year-olds in lower socio-economic status who don’t realize how committing a crime as a juvenile has an impact on their ability to go to college,” Democrat associate circuit judge candidate Gaylin Carver said. “Things that seem small can hurt their future. A minor assault, or DWI for young people is treated much harsher than in the 1980s. Courts need to be able to look at other ideas that will allow possible opportunities for these kids to get the education they need.”
“One of the jobs of a judge is to make sure a defendant knows the consequence of the crimes they are charged with,” said Republican associate circuit judge candidate Cotton Walker. “In the municipal court, where I preside, it’s hopefully the only time they’ll deal with the justice system. We have a community partner program which allows defendants to connect to services they may need, such as education and job training, so they can avoid getting into the pipeline.”
The candidates were also asked about how they would work to promote a bias-free policy in prosecuting and sentencing cases.
“Our community has not done a great job as we still have a disparity in minority traffic stops,” Walker said. “I do have conversations with the sheriff’s office and police department regarding minority hiring and training. I’ve also been involved in training to make sure judges are aware and have an understanding of bias and how to avoid that so sentences are equal no matter what.”
Hirner highlighted the need of bias-free policing.
“We as a community have to talk about this, and when we have that conversation, although it maybe uncomfortable, it must be among law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and community groups to see how we work toward eliminating this,” she said. “It is incumbent that we do that.”
Thompson said: “I believe more community outreach can go a long way, and I believe when we do have conversations between law enforcement and the community we find we have more in common than we think. As far as prosecution of crimes, I have never once had bias influence my decision. I look solely at the crime. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters for each individual person and case. Nothing else should get in the way.”
As a judge, Carver said she would work to understand the impacts of the crime on the individual appearing in court.
“Those charged who have more money can post bond and get out while waiting for their case to go through the courts. Those who can’t make bond means it takes longer,” she said. “As they are in jail, they can lose their job and home so they have to start from scratch. Now it’s time for sentencing and they don’t look like a good candidate for parole compared to the person who has been out on bond. So if I were judge, I would want a better understanding of the circumstances and background of a defendant that comes before me. That’s the first step to make change in sentencing bias.”
Voters will decide who gets into the associate circuit judge and prosecutors offices in the Nov. 6 general election.