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Oregon Judge of the Circuit Court District 4 Position 23

There are 173 Circuit Court Judges in Oregon, grouped into 27 judicial districts. The Circuit Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction. In most counties they have jurisdiction in juvenile cases, though only for termination of parental rights cases in Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, and Wheeler counties, where the County Court is responsible for other juvenile cases. The Circuit Courts also exercise jurisdiction in probate, adoptions, guardianship, and conservatorship cases in all counties except Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered voters, and residents of Oregon for at least 3 years before filing for candidacy; for at least 1 year they must have resided or had a principal residence in the judicial district or an adjacent one; and they must be members of the Oregon state bar at time of election. They may not be older than 75 years.Term: 6 years. This position is nonpartisan. Salary: $163, 476.

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    Melvin Oden-Orr
    (N)

Biographical Information

Explain your view of the relative roles of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation in sentencing homeless persons.

How would you suggest voters evaluate Circuit Court candidates?

What reforms, if any, would you support to the administration of the Multnomah County Circuit Court?

Town Where You Live Portland
Your Experience/Qualifications Circuit Court Judge, Multnomah County (2018 to present); Chief Hearings Officer, City of Portland, (2016 to 2018); Principal Attorney, Oden-Orr Law (2005 to 2016); Associate General Counsel, Portland Development Commission (2005 to 2005); Assistant General Counsel, TriMet (2000-2004); Associate Attorney, Tarlow Jordan & Schrader (1999 to 2000); Associate Attorney, Lane Power Spears Lubersky LLP (1996 to 1999).
County MULTNOMAH
Term 2025
Term Expires 2031
I believe every person deserves to be treated with respect as a human being, regardless of their housing status.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Treatment courts have a valuable role to play in reducing recidivism.