Julie Countiss

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

I am the incumbent. I'm in my fifth year serving as a justice. In addition, I was awarded the Appellate Justice of the Year award from the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists.

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?

I swore an oath to uphold the constitution and laws of this state, and I'm bound by the Rules of Judicial Conduct. But also, I do not make decisions alone. We decide all of our cases in three-judge panels and would never let campaign donations impact how we rule.

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

Our district accounts for 24% of the vote in Texas. Most voters don't know much about me so they vote their party and they trust that I share their values. I don't know that the administration of justice would be impacted but it might make things harder on voters trying to choose a candidate with very little information.

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

We need more attorneys who are willing to do pro bono or low fee work, especially in the area of evictions and other civil matters that impact people's life, liberty and property. More funding for these types of legal service organizations is always needed.

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

The new courts were created by the legislature despite opposition from a bi partisan swath of current judges and many public interest groups. At best, there will be no impact. At worst, it could be the start of a new, separate court system created for political reasons.