Oregon Judge of the Supreme Court Position 1
The Oregon Supreme Court is primarily a court of review: it considers decisions made by the Court of Appeals in selected cases, usually those with significant legal issues calling for the interpretation of laws or legal principles affecting many citizens and institutions of society. In addition to this review function, the Supreme Court hears direct appeals in death penalty, discipline of lawyers and judges, and Oregon Tax Court cases. It may accept original jurisdiction in mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus proceedings. It also reviews ballot measure titles, prison siting disputes, legislative district reapportionment cases, and legal questions on Oregon law that have been referred by federal courts. A candidate may not run for Judge of the Supreme Court if older than 75 years. The candidate must have been a resident of Oregon for at least 3 years before the election and must have been admitted to practice law in the Oregon Supreme Court.Term: 6 years. This position is nonpartisan. Salary: $173,000–$180,000.
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Stephen K Bushong
(N)
What would you like the public to know about the qualities necessary for a good judge?
When do you consider precedent binding? Please explain.
How does Oregon’s court system need to be improved?
Town Where You Live
Portland
Your Experience/Qualifications
Oregon Supreme Court Justice, 2023-present; Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge, 2008-2023; Oregon Department of Justice, 1994-2008; Sole Practice, 1993-94; Private Practice, Miller, Nash firm, 1985-1993
County
Multnomah
Term
6 years
Term Expires
2031
A good judge must be committed to applying the rule of law fairly and equally in every case. A judge's oath is a promise to make decisions that are grounded in principle based on the facts and the law, not on any outside influences or political pressures. A justice on the Oregon Supreme Court must work collaboratively with other members of the court and be open to considering other points of view. A justice must also write clear, understandable decisions that provide guidance to lower courts and the public. Finally, all judges must work to improve our system of justice so that we can fully realize our constitution's promise of liberty and justice for all.
On the Oregon Supreme Court, we are bound by precedents from the United States Supreme Court on issues of federal law. On issues of state law, we are bound only by the Oregon Supreme Court's prior decisions. We have the authority to overrule or modify those prior decisions, but we should exercise that authority very rarely and only when we are firmly convinced that overruling prior precedent is appropriate under the standards established by the court for overruling precedent and that overruling precedent is required to protect and serve the people of Oregon.
We need to improve our system of providing lawyers for people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire one. Our current system of providing counsel for indigent criminal defendants is in crisis. In addition, a large part of the need for legal services in family law, juvenile, landlord/tenant, and other cases is unmet because of limited resources. We also need to improve the consistency and timeliness of court decisions in our trial and appellate courts. Improving judicial education and securing sufficient resources to meet the public's need for court services would help. And we could do a better job educating the public about the judicial branch of government.
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