Christine Vinh Weems

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

I have been a civil district judge in Harris County since January 1, 2019. I am double-board certified in civil trial law and personal injury trial law. I practice judicial discretion and equity.

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?

It is standard for lawyers who practice in courts to donate and support judicial races. They just want good judges who will make decisions either way and let them try their case. Even after 5 1/2 years on the bench, ruling for and against these lawyers, I am honored to still have their support because they know I am just doing my job and will be fair. It will be the same on the Supreme Court.

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

There needs to be greater efforts made to educate the public about the numerous services available. Between non-profit organizations, pro-bono legal services, legal clinics at the law schools, there are so many opportunities for free or low-cost legal assistance that most citizens do not know about. There needs to be an investment made to publicize the efforts of these organizations to citizens.

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

The judicial canons prohibit candidates and judges from talking about their position on crucial issues the voters want to know about. For example, I can't tell you my position on abortion or election reform because those kind of cases come before the Court. But I can tell you that I'm a democrat and that gives the voters some guidance as to my values and what I believe.

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

The Texas Supreme Court routinely considers so many issues that affect all Texans, like women's reproductive health, voting rights, the constitutionality of state laws. I think the most pressing issue is recusal. Judges are supposed to recuse themself from a case if there is even the appearance of a conflict of interest and that is not happening. It erodes confidence and trust in the Court.