Katy Boatman

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

I am the only candidate in this race who is board certified in civil appellate law, clerked for two appellate justices, and has practiced appellate law for her entire career.

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 am committed to following the law wherever it takes me, which means I will pay no attention to campaign donations.

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

Each system of judicial nominations or elections has both pros and cons. If judicial races were nonpartisan, fewer people would vote in them, but presumably those who do will be more informed.

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

I believe in giving each person his or her day in court. The number of oral arguments at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals has been decreasing significantly over the years. With so few oral arguments being held, young lawyers can't gain the experience they need to be the best advocates they can be. I am committed to reversing that trend.

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

The business courts and Fifteenth Court of Appeals have the potential to be a benefit to all Texans and the judiciary by pulling complex litigation into a different court and allowing our district judge to focus on smaller cases that matter more to individuals.