JUDGES

Justice of the Supreme Court

Go to Judge of the Superior Court page>>

(Vote for not more than two in your party)

Job Description: The highest body in Pennsylvania’s unified judicial system, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court supervises every court in the Commonwealth. Cases reaching the Supreme Court only do so through the appeal process. Judges are elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and serve for 10-year terms. There are seven Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judges with one of those seven serving as Chief Justice.
Term: 10-year terms
Salary: $175,236
Qualifications: We asked about the candidates’
A. Education
B. Current occupation
C. Qualifications for this office
D. Endorsement by the Bar Association:
We also asked candidates for Justice of the Supreme Court:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge?
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system?
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city?

Democrats

Willis W. Berry, Jr.

Qualifications: No response received.
Answers: No response received.

C. Darnell Jones II

Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: B.A., French, Southwestern College, 1972; J.D., American University, 1975.
Current occupation President Judge.
Qualifications for this office: Judge - 20 years; 12 years assistant defender; Chief, Family Court Division; Attorney, Citizens’ Crime Commission. Adjunct Law Professor: University of Pennsylvania; National Judicial College; Rated Top 500 Judges in America; Endorsed by Gov. Edward Rendell.
Endorsement by the Bar Association: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Judge for 20 years. Currently president judge, and chair of the Administrative Governing Board which is coordinating and policy body for all courts of the First Judicial District-Common Pleas, Municipal and Traffic. I was an attorney for twelve years before becoming a Judge. I currently teach at the University of Pennsylvania Law School (13 years); taught at Temple Law School (3 years); National Judicial College (9 years); currently for Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Restoration of public confidence in the state’s highest court: the Supreme Court. I was appointed to the court of Common Pleas 20 years ago by Gov. Robert Casey who announced an effort to reform our troubled court at a time when public confidence in Philadelphia’s judiciary was in turmoil. I have served in numerous capacities and now the President Judge of the Court. Gov. Ed Rendell said I have served with integrity, independence and distinction.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? I recommend a multifaceted approach: Increased numbers of county probation/parole officers and required support systems (budgetary items such as desks, computers, etc); continued commitment to exploring traditional and nontraditional systems which work in dealing with the problem in other jurisdictions: Early childhood intervention educationally, socially and culturally. Recognition that the loss of IV-D child support collection funds from the Federal Government will have a long term negative impact in exacerbating the current problem.
Web site:
http://www.jonesforsupremecourt.com

Seamus McCaffery

Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: LaSalle College, B.A., 1977; Temple Law, J.D., 1989
Current occupation: Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge
Qualifications for this office: 39 years’ experience in Pennsylvania’s legal system: decorated police officer, attorney, trial and administrative judge (appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court), appellate court judge. 39 years’ military service, from Marine Corps private to Air Force colonel.
Endorsement by the Bar Association: Yes - I have been recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I have been a judge since 1994: 10 years on the trial bench; 2 years as administrative judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court (appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court); 4 years on the Superior Court. I also spent 20 years in law enforcement, 5 years as an attorney, and I have served our country for 39 years, going from United States Marine Corps Private to Air Force Reserve Colonel.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? a) Ensure judicial independence by electing judges with the courage to assess the facts and apply the law free from political pressure or regard for popular sentiment. b) Enhance understanding of the function of the courts by educating the public about the distinction between the interpretive role of the judiciary and the law-making role of the legislature. c) Improve accessibility to and transparency within the court system and its administration; better utilize information technology toward this end.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? I do not have any specific recommendation. As judges, our role is to interpret the law, not to create it. However, judges should increase dialogue and engage in greater contact with the public and the legislature about the plague of violence, and we must be willing to address evolving social problems with the willingness to implement novel approaches and programs, all while respecting and safeguarding individual rights and due process of law.
Web site:
http://www.JudgeSeamus.com

Debra Todd

Pittsburgh
Qualifications:
Education: University of Virginia School of Law, LL.M., 2004; University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D., 1982; Chatham College, B.A., 1979
Current occupation: Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Qualifications for this office: Endorsed by Pennsylvania State Democratic Party; Trial Attorney – 18 years; Superior Court Judge – 7 years
Endorsement by the Bar Association: Rated “Highly Recommended” by Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? My legal career has required me to be hard-working, tough-minded and receptive to new challenges. I believe I have continued to demonstrate those abilities on the bench. Moreover, I am open-minded, fair and honest, experienced in representing both plaintiffs and defendants, and able to reconcile competing viewpoints and cut to the heart of the issue. As a judge, I have demonstrated an aptitude for administration, a quality I believe is important in a Supreme Court Justice.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Restoring public confidence in our Judiciary and improving efficiency.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? There is no easy answer to the question of how to address the violence plaguing the City of Philadelphia. As an appellate judge, unfortunately, I become involved in cases after the crimes are committed and the prosecutions and trials have been completed. It is incumbent upon all members of the judiciary to treat violent offenses as the serious crimes they are, particularly by sentencing offenders appropriately – tough sentencing for repeat offenders - and with due consideration to the heinous nature of the crimes, the criminal history of the perpetrator, the impact on the victim, and the protection of the community. The true challenge, however, lies with all of us, families, churches, neighborhoods and elected officials, to address the needs of our young people before they commit crimes through economic development, quality day care, full-day kindergarten and safe and productive public schools.
Web site:
http://www.debratoddforjustice.com

Republicans

Mike Krancer

Bryn Mawr
Qualifications:
Education: 1980, University of Virginia, B.A.; 1983, Washington and Lee School of Law, J.D. (first in class).
Current occupation Attorney and Candidate for Justice of Supreme Court
Qualifications for this office: Former Chief Judge and Chairman, Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board - 1999-2007; Blank Rome LLP - 7 years; Dilworth Paxson LLP - 8 years; United States District Court For the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Endorsement by the Bar Association: Yes.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? My experience as a litigation partner in the practice of law for 17 years has allowed me to build upon my academic background. Also, I have hands-on experience as a trial/appellate judge as former Chief Judge and Chairman of Environmental Hearing Board. I am active in my community and in community service. I work with Inn Dwelling, a non-profit faith-based initiative corporation associated with St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Germantown. I am a volunteer tutor teaching high school students writing skills.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? I would be opposed to any private discussions between members of the judiciary and the executive or legislative branches about proposed or pending legislation. We need transparency in the court’s rulemaking process. Also, the court should write and publish all of its opinions. Courts are public bodies administering the public’s laws and the public’s business. “Justice” done behind closed doors is not justice.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? Courts should enforce the law by sentencing criminals to jail time commensurate with the crime. The courts cannot be the “revolving door” for criminals to come in and then go right out. We also need non-judicial programs for youngsters aimed at preventing kids from becoming criminals and by instilling into them a sense of cooperation and good citizenship. For example, the Police Athletic League is just one program of this nature.
Web site:
http://www.krancerforsupreme.com

Maureen E. Lally-Green

Cranberry Township, Butler County
Qualifications:
Education: 1971, Duquesne University, B.S. Secondary Education (Mathematics); 1974, Duquesne University Law School, J.D. (Law Review).
Current occupation Judge, Superior Court.
Qualifications for this office: 1998-present: Judge, Superior Court; 1983-98: Law Professor (adjunct/full-time); part-time consultant: Pa Supreme Court; 1974-83: Corporate and government counsel; private practice.
Endorsement by the Bar Association: Pennsylvania Bar Association: “Highly Recommended.” Allegheny County Bar Association: “Highly Recommended.”
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I have served on the Superior Court since June 1998. I have also served as an appointed member to two Supreme Court rules committees and to the Intergovernmental Commission on Race/Gender Fairness, and as a part-time clerk/consultant to the Court. Since 1983, I have been, full-time or adjunct, a law professor at Duquesne University Law School, and, before that, I was a lawyer for 9 years in the corporate, public and private arenas.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? One of the most pressing needs is to improve the public’s confidence in the judiciary. Public confidence is enhanced when the public understands the role of the Judiciary and its processes, when there are policies and procedures in place that assure fair and impartial decision-making and treatment in the courts, and when the Judiciary addresses problems in a way that makes the courts more accessible and assures the dignity of those who use the courts.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? There are no easy or certain recommendations. These issues involve, among other things, aspects of law, psychology, sociology and mental health. While consistent and predictable sentences do, in some cases, act as deterrents, opportunities to participate in programs, like those at Auberle in Pittsburgh, give certain juvenile offenders skills to sustain themselves away from repeat criminal activity.
Web site:
http://www.LallyGreen.com

Paul P. Panepinto

Philadelphia
Qualifications:
A.1971, Villanova University, B.A., Political Science; 1976, Widener University School of Law, J.D.; 1979, Villanova University, M.A., Political Science.
B.Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia Co.; Judge, Court of Judicial Discipline.
C.In addition to my current positions: Administrative Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia Co., Family Court Division, 1996 - 2000; Family Court, 1971 - 1990.
D.Yes - I am highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Prior to becoming a judge, I worked as a probation officer in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. This substantive experience gave me invaluable insight into the courts and our community. Having worked my way through the courts and served at almost every level, I believe I have an unparalleled understanding of the functioning of the judiciary. Furthermore, I believe my administrative and trial experience is crucial to being an effective, resultant Supreme Court Justice.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? The Pennsylvania judicial system, at the appellate level, requires merit-based reform. The judiciary should be a place for the most qualified and experienced legal minds. Far too often, we have seen the judiciary used as a means to a political end. As a result, less qualified appointees are placed on the bench based on political connections.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? Throughout my judicial career, I have made at-risk children a priority. I believe providing support to our city’s most vulnerable population is key to curtailing the violence in Philadelphia. I have developed nationally-recognized programs aimed at reducing criminal activity among juveniles and administrating serious consequences for truancy. Project START (Stop Truancy and Recommend Treatment), a program designed to target truants through early assessment and intervention, was used as a model for programs in other states.
Web site:
http://www.judgepanepinto.com

<<Back to the Voters Guide

<<Back to the top

To the Judge of the Superior Court page >>