A Quick Look at Debra Todd, Candidate for Supreme Court Judge

Debra Todd is also running for Pennsylvania's Supreme Court. Her website is http://www.debratoddforjustice.com/. She is rated as "highly recommended" by the state bar association. In part their recommendation said:

The Candidate has served on the Pennsylvania Superior Court since her election in 1999. On the court, she is known for her passion for the law, her academic approach to decision making and her thoughtful, thorough scholarly opinions. She brings a breadth of experience from an active civil litigation practice, which has been expanded because a majority of her time on the court is devoted to criminal matters. She has continued her involvement in a variety of community service endeavors, especially those dealing with young people. She has a strong commitment to the law and to the improvement of the court system, both of which have helped instill public awareness of and confidence in the judiciary. The Commission believes the Candidate has the intellectual ability, personal integrity, strong sense of fairness, and diverse practical and academic experience to serve with distinction on the highest court. She is highly recommended for this position.

In addition to her legal degree she has also earned an LL.M., Master’s Degree in the Judicial Process. Her thesis, “Sentencing of Adult Offenders in Cases Involving Sexual Abuse of Children: Too Little, Too Late? A View from the Pennsylvania Bench,” was published in the Penn State Law Review (v. 109, p. 487+). I tracked it down but it's around 70 pages long and that's a big much to slog through before primary.

Personal Note: I heard Judge Todd speak at a forum and exchanged a few words with her in person. She was impressive.