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Chris Mazzia
The following are internal notes prepared for the Democratic Central Committee following its endorsement interview of civil lawyer Chris Mazzia, who is running for the 3rd Sonoma County Superior Court judicial seat:
1. Please describe your judicial philosophy, and what you hope to accomplish as a Superior Court Judge.
Follow the law; trial court doesn’t change law, but judge has range of discretion on how to apply the law. “I’m practical.”
Access to court is a key issue; people need to be able to get into court timely with dignity and respect.
Judge must always remember that the most important legal issue is the one in front of you.
2. How has California and Sonoma County’s budget crisis impacted our judicial system? What can you, as a Superior Court judge, do to mitigate the negative effects?
It’s a disaster. Courts are not now being treated as a Constitutional arm of the government. The AOC – new system – the state has control of the courts now rather than the county. Morale is not good. All employees in judicial system should be viewed as a team, in all parts of the legal process. The budget is affecting access to justice.
Homeless are being shifted from program to program. What can I do? I have experience and vision for the future with energy and drive. Promote more efficient calendars, working better with staff, outreach to various parts of community.
3. What is your position on mandatory sentencing? Do you feel that it helps or hinders you in the performance of your duties? Please explain. Do you support the establishment of a non-partisan sentencing commission to review inequitable sentencing laws?
Disclaimer – candidate can’t take position on a legal issue that may come before the court. Thinks that judge should have some discretion in sentencing.
Supports a non-partisan commission to review sentencing. Supports diversion programs, calendaring (special courts) to assist with delivery of justice.
4. What is your position on the death penalty versus permanent incarceration?
It is law now, would apply it. Currently can’t be applied because medical professionals see administering it as a violation of Hippocratic Oath. Issues of concern: political, social, and budget – very expensive.
5. What innovative and creative legal work can you point to in your legal career?
Had a challenging case involving public policy and land issues, co-ownership of property on Estero, under purview of Coast Commission; owners wanted to split. Question was how can property be managed when splitting, to respect the Coast Act. Was a 5-yr struggle, required a lot of adroitness involving many different agencies.
Employment law and ADA case. Resolved by being practical, to get compliance. His job is not to beat a case into the ground but to find practical solutions.
6. Please explain your views on whether defendants currently have a level playing field. Is there a disadvantage for low-income defendants, and if so then what can/should be done to mitigate the imbalance between affluent and non-affluent defendants?
There are language and cultural barriers. Courts can continue to develop DUI, homeless, veterans’ calendars, identify people who fit profiles to get people the services they need, and be sensitive to this on a daily basis. Importance of recognizing “language” as communication. Judge’s job is to make sure that people understand what you’re saying.
7. What is your position on possible reformation of the Three Strikes/Proposition 13 law? If you are in favor of reforming it, what changes would you like to see? If you oppose reforming the law, why?
Prop 13 – biggest cause of California’s problems today.
3 Strikes – consider the ‘strike zone.’ What is the 3rd strike that should qualify you to go to jail for 25 years?
8. How does the resignation of such a large number of judges affect the local bench? How do your skills help fill that void?
50% turnover coming – dramatic. trial court judges affect your life more than Supreme Court justices do. Turnover makes it even more challenging. Private sector must step up for public service; take your private sector skills and apply to public. “I have a broad range of legal experience in private sector; there is lots of crossover as an attorney and on the bench.” Has management experience in private sector, tending to process as well as substance, working collaboratively.
Follow-up question: You have civil background – how to apply to criminal court?
“You can learn criminal law.” Doesn’t think civil law is easier. Already taking many steps to get steeped in criminal law.
9. Would you support efforts to expand diversion opportunities and create homeless and mental health courts? Are there any other areas for diversion opportunities?
Yes. Court is shared vision of social justice and how we should live with each other. Veterans’ services court – more efficient for the community, clustering administrative duties. Need Elder Court.
10. What is your understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it must be applied in your courtroom, to both plaintiffs and defendants? What methods would you use to make certain that all those with disabilities are given all required accommodations in your courtroom?
Had broken ankle – gave him insight into larger disability issues. So Co courts are not as well equipped as in other counties. Need lifts, other devices for access. May need special arrangements in hearings.
11. Why are you seeking the endorsement of the Sonoma County Democratic Party?
Raises a lot of issues on the concept of having an election for judge. Says see restrictions and questions and how to answer – how do voters make a decision? Most people feel distant from judges.
Democratic Party values re justice:
access to justice
strong and independent judiciary, not swayed by political pressures
equal and fair treatment for all
level playing field – and keep it that way
assisting the disadvantaged.
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If I recall correctly there was a ruling from the Supreme Court that the current way the death penalty is administered is cruel and unusual punishment. Until a new way of administering the death penalty is implemented in CA, no one is being put to death…I think this was all over the news last year…something may have changed since then.
I am still confused as to how one can actually develop a way of killing someone that is not cruel and unusual.
Candidate Mazzia apparently stated that the death penalty can’t be applied right now. What did he mean by that? Is this a misunderstanding of the current state of the law? For the purpose of Superior Court Judges, defendants are being sentenced to death in courts around the state as we speak. The condemned persons are living on death row at great expense to the taxpayers.