Description of office: The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, established in 1895, reviews most of the civil and criminal cases that are appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. The Superior Court consists of 15 judges. The president judge is elected to a five-year term by his/ her colleagues. A large number of appeals flow to the Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh. The court often is the final arbiter of legal disputes. Although the Supreme Court may grant a petition for review of a Superior Court decision, most petitions are denied, and the ruling of the Superior Court stands.Term: 10 yearsSalary: $247,188Vote for ONE.For more nonpartisan information on appellate court candidates, view the PA Bar Association’s ratings and questionnaires here: www.pabar.org/site/For-Lawyers/Committees-Commissions/Judicial-Evaluation/Resources/JEC-Ratings/2025
County
Washington
Occupation
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
Education
University of Richmond - BA in Criminal Justice. Duquesne University Kline School of Law - Juris Doctorate
Qualifications
8th year as a Judge- Presiding over Family, Civil, Criminal and Veteran's Court -Sheriff & Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. PA House of Representatives. Served on House Judiciary Committee, Commission on Crime Delinquency, and PA Commission on Sentencing -Former Trial Lawyer
To bring my extensive and diverse experience to the Superior Court. The PA Bar Association stated, “The Candidate’s opinions demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural legal issues and the ability to provide good factual backgrounds and well-developed legal arguments.” I have a proven record of being fair and impartial. As a judge, I have the experience to properly rule on any case presented to the PA Superior Court. As a legislator, I wrote laws to protect victims of sexual assault. Pennsylvanians deserve a judge who has broad experience. As a Judge, I have presided over Veterans Court, Family, and Criminal matters, Dependency cases, and Civil cases. My experiences allow me to be the best candidate for the PA Superior Court.
Part of the reason I was Highly Recommended by the PA Bar Association was that my colleagues indicated I have a high level of integrity, treat all individuals fairly, and is patient with all persons who appear before me. I will not have any preconceived opinions prior to having heard all of the information. I have a proven record as a judge of patiently listening to each party and applying the law equally and appropriately. I understand that parties deserve and expect an impartial ruling that follows the law. Once a case is properly presented to the PA Superior Court, each party is entitled to be heard as the law allows. I am the best candidate for the PA Superior Court based on my unique experiences and proven record as a judge.
The analysis remains the same for every case. I would first read all documents provided to the court. Then I would research any legal issues that are presented. Next, I would determine if any distinguishable facts about this case would set it apart from any previous ruling made by a PA Appellate Court or The PA Supreme Court. I would also research to determine if there was any change in law since previous rulings addressed a similar legal issue. If there are no distinguishable facts or change in law, then legal precedent would be given great deference. If there was a change in law or the facts of the case are distinguishable, then a full legal analysis pertaining to the legal issue must be explored.
County
Clarion
Occupation
Executive/Attorney
Education
2 undergraduate degrees: Elementary Education, Speech Communication & Theatre, Clarion University, B.S.; Westminster College, M.Ed.; Ohio Northern University, J.D.; University of Pittsburgh, Ed.D.
Qualifications
15+ years experience in Civil, Criminal and Administrative Law; Former Assistant District Attorney; Former Attorney with the Governor Corbett Administration; Served as an Administrative Hearing Officer where I presided over hundreds of hearings and issued hundreds of administrative decisions.
In 2008, after studying the courts in more detail, I put on two legal symposiums about the courts. One program discussed the role of courts as protectors of children as a result of the Luzerne cash for kids scandal. I have seen as a practicing attorney, educator and mother how important our judicial system is and what happens when there is a breakdown of that system. When I served as a hearing examiner, which has similar functions as a judge, I issued hundreds of decisions. The decisions I wrote impacted the lives of others. I believe it is a calling and higher duty to serve as a judge. I would be honored to serve as a judge of the Superior Court to ensure our laws and constitution are upheld as written and to provide justice for all.
The Superior Court is one of two intermediate appellate courts in PA. The Superior Court is responsible for appeals in criminal and most civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. This court is also responsible for appeals involving children and families. When a matter is appealed to the Superior Court, it is the role of the judges assigned to the case to review the record from the lower court along with the issue or issues on appeal. Each case has opposing positions/parties. Each case should be fairly and impartially evaluated by the judges based on the specific facts, law and if applicable, the constitution. It is not the role of the court or any judge to legislate from the bench.
The evaluation of a case does not change even if it could affect long-standing precedent. The role of the judge is to do what is right in every case. The review of case law related to the issue or issues before the court must be analyzed thoroughly in each case along with any constitutional issues raised. While it is rare that landmark cases are overturned, it is possible with a particular set of facts before the court.
