Judge Stephanie Casady
Education: J.D., UALR Bowen School of Law; Bachelor’s, University of Central Arkansas
Prior Elected Office or Public Service: Current Saline County District Judge
Community Service: As an elected judge, my service on boards and as an officer on non-profits is limited because the Judicial Code of Conduct does not permit judges to solicit money or fundraise. I am involved with the Boys and Girls Club and support many charitable organizations in the community by purchasing tickets to events and making personal donations. I am actively involved with the youth at Benton First United Methodist Church, where I am a member. I travel to the schools to talk about what it means to be a judge. I also volunteer as a reader for the elementary schools in my community.
Have you ever engaged in any occupation, business, or profession other than the law? I went straight from high school to UCA where I graduated with a double major in English and Political Science. From UCA, I immediately went to UALR School of Law. So, my adult professional life has always been in the legal field. I worked as an attorney for the State of Arkansas advising and representing social workers on foster care cases. I worked as a deputy prosecutor where I served on the drug court team. I had a private law practice that included civil work and representing criminal defendants. I also represented foster children, advocating for what was in their best interest. For the last 10 years, I have been an elected judge.
Judges are permitted to be involved in improving understanding of the Courts under Rule 3.1 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Would you take a role in helping educate the public about the court system? Why or why not? As a judge, I already take an active role in educating the public about the court system. I never turn down an opportunity to speak to groups and I often go to schools to talk to kids about what it means to be a judge.
Do appellate courts have a role in addressing racial and economic disparities in the judicial system? If so, what is that role? As a judge, I have experience addressing racial and economic disparities in the judicial system. Those are issues that come up all the time for me as a district judge. I see people and have hands-on experience making important decisions that impact not only the person in front of me, but his or her family as well. I am always mindful of this and take my responsibility as a judge very seriously. I believe judicial experience is critical for an appellate judge. I am the only candidate with judicial experience. Appellate courts have a tailored and specific role. They review decisions made by lower courts. If you want someone that understands and knows these issues, they need to come to the appellate bench with that experience. I have that critical hands-on experience.
An independent, fair and impartial judiciary is crucial to our justice system. Do you think Rule 4 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs political and campaign activities of judges & judicial candidates, goes far enough to ensure public confidence in the court's role as a neutral decision-maker? As a judge, I have been bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct for 10 years. Rule 4, along with the other rules, is sufficient to ensure public confidence in the court's role as a neutral decision-maker. Each judge has the responsibility to take care to abide by each of the rules. Each judge has a responsibility to make sure his or her conduct promotes public confidence.
To what extent do you believe that appellate courts should or should not defer to the actions of a legislature? What is your view of the court's role in a system of checks and balances? As long as a law is Constitutional, courts are to follow it.