(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. Much more information about Democratic primary candidates, including links to the interviews and judicial Q&As, can be found on Erik Manning’s spreadsheet. This is one of two late entrants I am running today.
Denise Brown
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Denise Brown. I’m running to be judge of the 270th Judicial District Court of Harris County.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 270th Civil District Court hears all matters except criminal, family, juvenile, and probate. The civil courts handle every type of case from personal injury to employment, defamation, and tax cases, but does not handle criminal, family, or probate cases. The court handles cases involving $200+ in dispute.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
Being a trial lawyer and litigator means I know the value of a jury trial. My clients depend on jury trials to have their cases decided. When a judge fails to hold jury trials, the people of Harris County are affected. To date, there have only been 9 jury trials since January 1, 2019 according to the District Clerk’s website. Judges should be held to the highest levels of honesty and ethics. I will bring integrity to this court so the people of Harris County know what I am saying is the actual truth. I am also running so there is equality in this court. Litigants, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and members of the public will get equal treatment in my court and not have to wonder if they will get a fair trial.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been a licensed attorney for more than 21 years. I am a litigator and trial attorney. I’ve handled multiple bench and jury trials representing both plaintiffs and defendants. I have handled cases from motor vehicle wrecks to complex fraud and breach of contract cases to Dram Shop to construction defect to DTPA. A judge should have trial experience before becoming a trial judge.
5. Why is this race important?
Jury trials are the backbone of our judicial system. Without them, cases come to a standstill and parties are denied justice. As a litigator and trial lawyer for more than 21 years, I am not afraid of jury trials. A trial setting motivates parties to resolve a case without the need of a jury. Cases that cannot be resolved are then able to have their day in court and reach a resolution. Since January 1, 2019, there has only been 7 jury trials in the 270th District Court. Not having jury trials is simply unacceptable for this court. I will ensure that the court is managed efficiently and access to justice is available to all parties.
Judges should be held to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and ethics. Representations made by a judge or on behalf of the court must be truthful, accurate, and beyond reproach. From denying litigants the right to trial by jury (https://search.txcourts.gov/SearchMedia.aspx?MediaVersionID=14723357-
f7cc-4f74-95b4-aace505320b6&coa=coa01&DT=Opinion&MediaID=c8f87cd1-9515-414c-a1b4-56dbfbd330a9) to publicly commenting on cases pending before the Court, the 270th needs someone who believes the rules apply not only to the parties and attorneys but also to the judge. I will restore the 270th to a respectable and honorable court.
Everyone who appears in front of the Court must be treated equally, with respect and dignity, and the knowledge that they will get a fair hearing or trial, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, who they love, or what their beliefs are.
6. Why should people vote for you in March?
I am the best candidate for the position. A trial judge should have litigation and trial experience before taking the bench. I am the only candidate who has that experience. My background with both plaintiffs and defendants gives me a unique perspective as I understand the challenges faced by each bar as litigation proceeds as well as preparing and trying a case. By bringing efficiency, integrity, and equality to the 270 th , I will raise the level of decorum and dignity in this Court to where Harris County deserves. I am the most qualified person to be judge of the 270th .
Re: “The court handles cases involving $200+ in dispute.”
Gee, how helpful is that? The filing fee alone is more than that (about $300, not including service of citation).
To suggest to the gullible public that district court is the place to go to resolve a dispute involving a few hundred dollars borders on public-education malpractice.
And jury trials are irrelevant for the vast majority of the civil caseload. You may be likely to be called for jury duty once in a while over the years, but you are extremely unlikely to be a party in a jury trial. Such trials are very very expensive and time-consuming, therefore they only make sense for high-stakes high-dollar cases, and mostly personal injury cases. Jury trials are a very inefficient way to resolve disputes.
And the number of such trials are diminishing.
https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/american_jury/2020-reasons-for-the-disappearing-jury.pdf
Re: “To date, there have only been 9 jury trials since January 1, 2019 according to the District Clerk’s website.” Maybe some information about how many defendants pled out, or how many cases were resolved prior to a jury trial would have been helpful.
Re: “I am the best candidate for the position.” I may be wrong, but isn’t every candidate making that same claim ?
Re: “I will restore the 270th to a respectable and honorable court.” “I will bring integrity to this court so the people of Harris County know what I am saying is the actual truth.” Do tell… who has already turned the 270th into a Court of ill repute ?