Four candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for Hancock County Superior Court 1 in the June 2 primary. The candidates are Marie Castetter, Cody Coombs, D.J. Davis and Jessica Lacy. Here, in their own words, are the candidates’ responses to a series of questions posed by the Daily Reporter about their qualifications and the experiences that have shaped their careers.
What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any?
Access to the judicial system is a major obstacle to justice. Many citizens cannot afford to hire an attorney, but it’s important for citizens to understand that they can seek justice without an attorney. Judges can now interpret motions to give them the effect intended by unrepresented parties. Timely access to the courtroom is another obstacle to justice. Hancock County is rapidly growing, and we have fewer judicial officers to meet the needs of our citizens than other similarly populated counties. Without an efficient docket, citizens are at risk of having delayed justice, and justice should not be delayed.
Do you believe that all citizens have adequate access to legal help and the legal system? If not, what can be done to provide wider and better access?
Many citizens are intimidated by the legal system and do not know that they can access the courts without an attorney. Judges have recently been given the ethical ability to explain court proceedings to unrepresented parties in everyday language, which, in my experience, has helped unrepresented parties feel more comfortable in the courtroom. As Court Commissioner, I have created time slots on the docket specifically for unrepresented parties so their cases can be heard in a less intimidating and less formal atmosphere. I set multiple hearings during those time slots so unrepresented parties can watch other hearings before their case is called.
As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
My greatest strength is the ability to listen and be fair to all parties, no matter the circumstance, while also controlling the courtroom in a manner that allows parties to be heard. I also have many years of real experience as an attorney representing parties in every area of law that comes before the Superior Court 1. I have seen how the decisions made in past cases have affected my clients, and I have used that experience when making decisions as Court Commissioner. Additionally, I have learned how to schedule an efficient docket firsthand from former Judge Terry Snow.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? In your personal life?
My family is my greatest accomplishment in my personal life and, to an extent, my legal career. Practicing law tends to take a heavy toll on the family unit, and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have a loving wife and two happy daughters. I don’t know that I have a greatest accomplishment in my legal career, as every case I have participated in is the most important case to each party, but I am always happy to see various charitable entities that I have assisted in some legal capacity do good things for our community.
Describe the most difficult case in your legal career.
I don’t have a most difficult case, as each case is important. As an attorney, I spent a lot of time worrying about my clients and how I could get them the relief they needed. I learned to care for my clients on a personal level, and I still, even years later, think about various outcomes in cases and wonder what I could have done differently. As Court Commissioner, I worry about the parties and how my decisions affect their lives. The information I get in a case is limited, but the decisions made have a real impact.
What is your vision for the future of our judicial system: What changes would you advocate and why?
I would like to improve the written discovery process. The judicial system was modified several years ago to eliminate the trial-by-ambush approach. Discovery rules were enacted to help parties better understand their odds if they go to trial. Over the years, however, many lawyers have learned how to reduce the value of written discovery. Parties need to have access to an effective discovery process so they can make informed decisions on potential settlements. Settlement saves the parties money in legal fees, and it frees up time in the court docket for other matters that cannot reach a settlement.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Cody Coombs” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 40
Party: Republican
Office sought: Judge, Hancock Superior Court1
Political experience: Candidate for Hancock County Circuit Court judge after retirement of Richard Culver but withdrew his name from consideration after being appointed to serve as court commissioner.
Family: Wife, Casey Coombs, two daughters,
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