Frances Bourliot

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

Before I took the bench on January 1, 2019, I represented individuals in civil and criminal cases at the trial and appellate level - first as a public defender and then at a civil litigation firm.

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?

Our greatest responsibility as a judge is to ensure the law is applied correctly to the facts in a fair and neutral manner to all parties. However, in a system of partisan elections that are run by political donations, the risk is always there that a decision is made for monetary/political reasons. Donor and spending transparency help expose potential biases and ensure neutrality.

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

In an ideal world, nonpartisan judicial races would produce a judiciary that was more neutral and unbiased with people voting based on qualifications rather than political parties. Because we have partisan elections, it is important to choose qualified candidates who have proven to be public servants and dedicated to the fair and neutral administration of justice.

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

As a former public defender, I have seen first hand the impediments to justice and the legal system that exist in the traditionally marginalized groups of society. It is important to elect a judiciary that is cognizant of this divide, that is committed to developing and encouraging access to assistive programs, and who reviews the records to ensure that every voice is given fair and equal access.

Court System: What effect will the new business court and statewide court of appeals have on the administration of justice in Texas?

The new business and statewide courts were created despite strong bipartisan opposition and will be filled with unelected judges who have been appointed by the governor. While we can hope for no significant impact, those courts have the potential to consolidate power and take power away from our constituents by creating a new tier of courts that were created for political reasons.