Campaign 2024: Michael Landrum for Judge of the 133rd Civil District Court
- legal knowledge;
- impartiality;
- thorough preparation;
- decisiveness;
- ethics and
- efficiency.
Civil Court Judges Matter to You
You and your family are more likely to be directly affected by the ruling of a judge than by the action of any other elected official. Our civil courts hear disputes that touch almost every aspect of our interactions with each other, family matters and probate. Disputes involving land, debt, injury, contracts, employment, tax, leases, defamation, construction and all types of business matters are heard in our civil district courts, including the 133rd."One Case At A Time"
That simple phrase was guidance to me each time I donned my judge’s robe and entered the courtroom. It reminds me of a simple principle: while some cases may seem small or of little importance compared with others, every case is of great importance to the parties involved. Every one of the cases on file in my court is entitled to be treated as if it is the only matter in court when it is called before the bench.
A judge’s role in jurisprudence is a small one. No single decision will likely affect the ebb and flow of society in any grand sense. A judge’s work does, however, affect people in ways that can be substantial. If I am a careful steward of my responsibilities in court, the cause of justice is served, and our republic will remain stronger for it.
There is no such thing as a small or unimportant case. To those involved, the outcome in any case could be life-changing. I am committed to making sure that all parties are afforded a fair opportunity to be heard and that the laws enacted by our Legislature are applied in each case. I am committed to assuring complete impartiality in deciding matters without regard to partisan interests, media coverage or other outside influence; and, that all parties are allowed a fair opportunity to present evidence and argument in support of positions taken in good faith.
I can help reduce the cost of lawsuits by being thoroughly prepared by reading filed materials and being familiar with the law applicable in each instance coming before the court and making prompt rulings on matters before me. I have demonstrated that I know how to conduct court proceedings with patience and dignity, while treating witnesses, jurors, attorneys and litigants with respect and courtesy. I pledge to do that every day, if elected.
“I consider the trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government is held to the principles of its constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson
Those who respond to a summons for jury duty make a meaningful sacrifice. Jury service necessarily conflicts with the many other important things we have going on in our lives. I remain committed to making certain that jurors’ valuable time is respected. This means that, as judge, I must be punctual and work hard to cut unnecessary waiting time for jurors.
Best Qualified – Most Experience
"The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society depend so much upon an upright and skillful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, and both should be checks upon that."