“The court system is the only institution that stands between the power of government and the rights of the individual citizen. It is essential, therefore, that the courts be fair, timely, and affordable, and that they also protect the public’s safety.”

Here are a few of the reforms John would work to achieve:

• Our constitution requires judges to be elected. Appointed judges should be prohibited from succeeding themselves.
• Complaints against judges should be public information.
• Defendants should not be able to disqualify an elected judge without sufficient cause.
• Too many serious crimes are plea-bargained out of court with criminals evading the punishment they deserve.
• Judges should not pressure prosecutors to reduce criminal charges to avoid having to try cases.
• Access to the courts for all Idahoans should be improved by establishing Saturday and night courts.
• Judges should set early trial dates, closely monitor a case’s progress, and decide cases promptly to reduce costs of the legal process.
• Our court system would be more efficient and less costly with maximum use of modern technology and electronic communications.