Shinaver on role as judge
I will approach my role as a judge with confidence, hard work, fairness, and respect for all individuals with whom I interact. I believe it is the responsibility of a judge to treat all participants in the court process with dignity, respect, and patience. There is no question that a busy courtroom and the daily responsibilities of a judge can combine to make many stressful situations. But there is nothing that reflects more poorly on the judiciary than a judge that looses his or her temper or treats defendants, attorneys, witnesses, or audience members with rudeness, disrespect, anger or disdain. There is also no excuse for a judge once elected or appointed to the bench to become pompous, arrogant, or dismissive of others.
In my role as a Chief Attorney in the Public Defenders Office I am used to working in high tension, stressful, situations and making quick decisions and judgment calls on a daily basis that impact a large number of people. As a judge, I will have the fortitude and patience to treat others with dignity and respect and to listen to them with an open mind even under the most trying circumstances.