JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

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Mike believes the Constitution clearly defines the role of judges as deciding disputes, not making law. He adheres to an originalist interpretation of the Constitution and believes that the Legislature was created to reflect the will of the people in passing laws.

As a part-time Government Professor and full time student of the Constitution, Mike adamantly adheres to the concept of "strict construction." The Constitution clearly places the power to write laws in the hands of the Legislature and judges must not violate the separation of powers with judicial activism. Courts must look to the original intent of those who wrote the Constitution and exercise restraint in their rulings. Additionally, the Texas Code Construction Act sets forth with particularity what a court must consider when interpreting an act of the Legislature and Mike closely follows its dictate.

The Supreme Court and the Legislature have given judges the power and the tools to deal with frivolous lawsuits. The lawyers who file these cases, or who litigate in a manner which unnecessarily increases the burden and expense of litigation, can be punished using existing law. Only when these laws are enforced against lawyers who have gone beyond the bounds of zealous representation of their client can frivolous lawsuits and abusive litigation be stopped.

In over 20 years of private practice Mike represented a broad range of clients, ranging from individuals to large corporations. He did not limit his practice to any specific type of litigation or client. He represented people, partnerships and corporations who deserve to be represented. Mike does not allow special interest groups or one segment of the Bar to influence his judicial independence or judgment. Each and every litigant and attorney who appears before Mike is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

The office of Judge of the County Court at Law is a position of high public trust. Mike was greatly blessed in the practice of law and thoroughly enjoys the academic and practical aspects of it. He finds nothing more rewarding than serving the people of Tarrant County and ensuring that our system of justice remains accessible, expedient and even-handed.

Mike believes a County Court at Law must provide expedient, economical, informed, and predictable justice to all Texans. As this court hears appeals from Justice of the Peace courts, Mike's volunteer work and background placed him in a unique position to treat all litigants, lawyers and pro se alike, with dignity, courtesy and respect. Mike promotes judicial economy and expediency in order to avoid the cliché "justice delayed is justice denied." When the interests of the parties and justice will be served by starting early or working late, the Court stays open.

To date Mike has presided over more than 125 complete jury trials, from voir dire to verdict. Ensuring that parties have an opportunity to present their case to a jury is among Mike's highest priorities.

Mike also believes that jury service is an important part of being an American citizen. For many citizens, jury service is their only exposure to the judicial system. As such, he believes that jurors must be treated with courtesy and deference during the period of their service.

State Bar Rules prohibit a judge from discussing legal matters before the court without the presence of a representative of all parties to the litigation. In his ovehwhelming interest of fairness to all litigants Mike believes strongly in the rules against ex parte communications.

Canon 3 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits a judge from making any statement which "suggests to a reasonable person the judge's probable decision on any particular case" which may come before the judge's court. Thus, Mike cannot comment with regard to his beliefs as they relate to specific issues which may arise before the County Court at Law.