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 obstacle to justice, if any?
One of the biggest obstacles to justice is equal access to the law. Often, claims do not get filed because a potential litigant does not have the means to hire an attorney. In criminal cases, a public defender may be appointed to represent the person charged, but there are no resources available for a public defender to be appointed to handle a guardianship for an elderly parent with no income, or to file a civil suit such as wrongful termination, contesting an insurance settlement or a slip-and-fall case.
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?
Having the money to hire an attorney is a problem in those cases where a public defender is not an option. Oftentimes, even individuals who are not indigent are still unable to hire an attorney. While working at Foley & Abbott, I participated in a modest means program through the Indianapolis Bar Association where attorneys agreed to charge a set amount to represent individuals who had limited means, but were not considered indigent. That may be something the local bar association can look into. Promoting pro bono representation can also minimize the barrier to legal assistance.
As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
My trial experience is by far one of my greatest strengths. Having vast trial experience has given me exposure to various issues that develop during trials: challenges to jurors, dueling experts, requests for mistrials, application of trial rules and rules of evidence, and assessing witness credibility. It also gives me a great deal of perspective about what trial attorneys are going through as they present their case. A disadvantage I currently have is that I am recused on most criminal matters on the docket due to having been Chief Deputy Prosecutor prior to taking the bench.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? In your personal life?
Being appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as judge is by far my greatest accomplishment. Gov. Holcomb had faith that I could provide a service to the public and act in its best interest to improve the quality of life, livelihood and betterment of the community. Another great accomplishment was during law school, having been selected to be on the Indiana International & Comparative Law Review and subsequently having my article, “Taking Law Into Their Own Hands, Unofficial and Illegal Sanctions by Pakistan Tribal Councils,” selected for publication.
Describe the most difficult case in your legal career.
I prosecuted a child molestation case involving two victims. I spent many hours preparing for trial to get them comfortable with telling me what happened, sometimes using pictures rather than words. Because I had no idea of how the two girls would testify, I did a mock trial as a test run to see what they would say in front of 12 strangers. By the time the trial came around, the younger victim became more reluctant to testify, but by providing resources such as court support and comfort items to hold during trial, the girls got justice.
What is your vision for the future of our judicial system: what changes would you advocate and why?
As an advocate for a Mental Health Court while Chief Deputy Prosecutor, I began the Mental Health Protocol in 2016. Recently, I submitted an application for a Mental Health Court. I am also interested in Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative program to best utilize the county’s resources in detaining the right kids at the right time. Handling juvenile cases the past few years, I have recognized there are an increasing number of complex juvenile delinquency cases. These juveniles will remain in our community, and it is imperative that we find the right resources to help them become productive in the community.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Marie Castetter” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 53
Party: Republican
Office sought: Judge, Hancock Superior Court 1
Political experience: No previous political experience; first campaign for office.
Family: Husband, Robert Castetter
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