Bonnie Lee Goldstein

Qualifications: What characteristics and experience qualify you to serve as a justice?

A 33 year varied civil and municpal law practice; 20 years judicial experience: 11 years as a municipal judge, 6 years as a civil district trial judge and 3.8 years as intermediate appellate justice.

Ethics: Since judicial candidates solicit donations and raise money to be elected, how can voters be assured that campaign donations will not impact how judges interpret the law and review lower court decisions?

Transparency through the Campaign Finance Reports detailed disclosure requirements, updated periodically according to the reporting schedule, along with stringent limitations imposed upon campaign contributions for judicial races, help safeguard against the appearance of impropriety and protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Equity: What can be done to improve access to justice for all, including persons or groups who may be underserved?

Prioritize continued vigilance to identify the underserved, and the resources necessary to improve access to justice. Update and adapt pandemic-tested solutions for improved access through increased use of technology, virtual platforms and hybrid proceedings, as well as the development of user-friendly informational or instructional materials to help navigate the judicial system.

Judicial Elections: How would the administration of justice be impacted if judges ran in nonpartisan races?

The Canons prohibit a judge from being swayed by partisan interests. Politicizing the judiciary by party affiliation or ideology has had a negative impact on public opinion of our system of justice. Public perception of the administration of justice may be best served by nonpartisan judicial races that will further preserve, protect and promote the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Other Issues: What issues do you believe will be the most pressing for the Texas Supreme Court?

As a judicial candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, I cannot comment on issues that may come before me. The Canons prohibit a judge from being "swayed by partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism" therefore transparency in judgment, clarity and consistency of opinions, are critical to preserve and protect the constitution, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.