The 168th District Court in El Paso handles significant felony criminal cases and various civil matters, including contract disputes, property issues, and other complex civil lawsuits. District court judges serve four-year terms and are paid a starting salary of $193,000 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Bernardo Cruz, 38, a Democrat, is an assistant county attorney.
Robert Pritchard, 69, a Republican, is an attorney
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
What do you see as the most significant challenge facing this court, and what would you do to address it?
Bernardo Cruz: One of the important challenges facing the El Paso justice system is the timely resolution of cases while working within limited judicial and administrative resources. If elected, I would place a strong emphasis on effective docket management, including early case management, clear and reasonable deadlines, efficient handling of motions, and regular attention to cases that have remained pending for extended periods.
Robert Pritchard: Making sure everyone has their day in court.
How would you balance the need to move cases through the court efficiently with ensuring that every party receives a fair hearing?
Bernardo Cruz: Cases should move forward in a timely and orderly manner, but efficiency should never come at the expense of due process or a party’s right to be heard. If elected, I would set clear and reasonable expectations for the progression of cases, while giving parties a meaningful opportunity to present their positions.
Robert Pritchard: Show up on time and do the work.
How would you approach cases in which the law is unclear or where competing legal principles may apply?
Bernardo Cruz: I would carefully identify the governing authorities and apply the law to the facts presented in the case. I would begin with the applicable constitutional and statutory provisions, controlling precedent, and procedural rules, and would carefully consider the arguments and authorities presented by all parties.
Robert Pritchard: Follow the best legal precedent.
What standards would you use to determine when recusal or disclosure of a potential conflict is appropriate?
Bernardo Cruz: I would follow the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and other applicable law concerning disqualification and recusal.
Robert Pritchard: Texas ethics guidelines.
What do you believe your party affiliation tells voters about your judicial philosophy, and where do you draw the line between partisan beliefs and your responsibility to apply the law impartially?
Bernardo Cruz: My party affiliation is part of the electoral process, but it does not determine how I would decide a case. Voters are entitled to know my party affiliation, but they should also understand that a judge has a different responsibility from that of a legislature or political advocate. If elected, my responsibility would be to follow the law and the Constitution, applying controlling precedent, and decide each case based on the facts and the law presented — not based on political party.
Robert Pritchard: The law would be applied in a nonpartisan way. My party affiliation should make no difference.
The post Q&A: 168th District Court judge candidates in Nov. 3 midterm election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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