Susanna Dokupil

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

I have handled high-profile trials and appeals in state and federal courts for the State of Texas and corporate clients, clerked for a federal appellate judge, and graduated from Harvard Law School.

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?

Donations to judicial candidates are subject to strict contribution limits applicable to both individuals and political action committees. In addition, every judge should comply with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, which ensures that no individual lawyer or firm gives an amount of money that could create a reasonable appearance of impropriety.

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

If a judge is following the rule of law, that judge’s personal opinions or partisan affiliation should not impact their ruling. A judge’s rulings should be based on fairly applying statutes in the individual case based on the plain meaning of those statutes. Judges should not disturb the legislative compromises embodied in the statutory language unless the statutes are unconstitutional.

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

All parties coming before the court should have the ability to present the best case for their side, regardless of their resources. The Texas Access to Justice Commission and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission have provided training videos and basic forms to assist pro bono lawyers as well as people representing themselves. Courts should also ensure adequate translation resources when needed.

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

The most complex cases will be in the hands of specialist judges, so the outcomes will be more predictable and fair while reducing the burden on the existing courts. As a litigator for the State, I regularly handle suits by and against the State involving highly technical questions of when and how a government may sue and be sued, and having a special court to address these appeals makes sense.