Judge-Elect Barbara Womack Webb
Arkansas Supreme Court Candidate
Candidate introduction at February 9th Indivisible Judicial Forum at UALR Bowen School of Law
Age: 62
Law School: UALR School of Law (now Bowen School of Law) – 1982
Occupation: Chief Administrative Law Judge – Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission
Previous Elected Office: Circuit Judge – 22nd Judicial District (by appointment), Prosecuting Attorney – 7th and 22nd Judicial District (3 terms), Alderman, City of Benton (by election of Council)
Community Service: Moderator, Presbytery of Arkansas, Legal Counsel, Ouachita Area Boy Scout Council, Saline County Domestic Violence Coalition, Board Member/Past President, Royal Players Inc. (community theater), Advisory Board, Saline County Boys and Girls Club, Board Member, Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, Life Member, Benton Junior Auxiliary, 1996 Citizen of the Year, Benton Chamber of Commerce, Second Presbyterian Church, Elder and Deacon
1. What experience, knowledge, and attributes of yours make you believe you will be a good Supreme Court Justice?
My nearly 4 decades of courtroom experience in Arkansas law --- from private practice, to prosecuting attorney, to Judge – coupled with my judicial temperament and a proven record of over 12 years as a Judge at all levels of our Judicial System (city court, circuit court, administrative law judge, Chief Administrative Law Judge, special Worker’s Compensation Commissioner and special Supreme Court Justice)– have more than prepared me for this opportunity to be a fair and independent voice on the Arkansas Supreme Court that all Arkansans can trust.
2. What is one area in which the administration of justice could be improved by the Arkansas Supreme Court?
I believe that increased access to justice for all Arkansans is an important way we can improve the Judicial System in Arkansas. This access must be equal to all litigants – regardless of financial status, disabilities, race, political connections, or where you live. I believe implementation of new and better technology will bring transparency to what is actually happening in the courts and provide us the tools to make sure the courts are a timely and effective forum for all litigants at lower costs to the taxpayers. Mediation is often a way to help litigants reach a meaningful resolution of disputes with the lengthy and expensive court process. Specialty courts can also provide a court system that is focused on the particular issues and remedies that may occur in a particular area of our society to help those who need resources, rehabilitation, and restorative justice in lieu of prison which allows us to use the traditional courts to address the most serious crimes and protect our citizens, especially our most vulnerable, from the most violent offenders.
3. How will you balance being an independent justice and an elected official?
Being an independent Justice is important for the preservation of the three independent branches of government – the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. Then Democratic Attorney General Winston Bryant appointed me to serve on the Arkansas Ethics Commission, a non-partisan position. I also served as a non-partisan Alderman. I served as the Prosecuting Attorney of my local Judicial District to clean up behind a corrupt Prosecutor and restore respect to our Judicial system. I served as an Administrative Law Judge under both Democratic and Republican Governors. I was appointed to serve as Special Supreme Court Justice by Republican Governor Mike Huckabee on a death penalty case. I was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as a Circuit Judge to clean up behind a Circuit Judge who failed to pay or file taxes for over fifteen years, including the time he served on the bench. In all of these positions of public trust – whether elected or appointed, I served all of the people of in my local community and in the state of Arkansas in a fair and impartial manner. I will be a fair and independent voice that all Arkansans can trust.
4. Chief Justice Roberts has recently stated that federal judges should play a greater role in civics education. Do you see any ways in which the Supreme Court could expand on the civics education it already undertakes?
The role of civics education helps teach our youth about the Constitution, the structure of government, and the ways to become informed and engaged citizens. The Supreme Court of Arkansas has encouraged education about the judicial system by implementing the Appeals on Wheels program of holding Court Sessions at local high schools around the State and engaging with the students about the role of the Courts. I believe with new technology and on-line courses and videos, the Court will have greater opportunity to provide our youth a real demonstration of the role of Courts and importance of the Constitution and Rule of Law in the preservation of their freedoms and liberty.
5. How would you describe your judicial philosophy?
My judicial philosophy has been formed by both my personal upbringing and my private and public service. My parents believed that a strong education was important and would provide me with the tools necessary to be whatever I wanted to be and accomplish my goals and dreams. I believe in the Constitution and the Rule of Law. I respect the separation of powers and do not believe the Court should legislate from the bench. One of my favorite verses found in the Bible in Micah 6:8 will hopefully define me as a Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court: “What does the Lord require of thee, but to seek Justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”
