Biography

Name: Manuel J. Barraza

Age: 52

Occupation: Lawyer

Website: Barrazaforjudge@yahoo.com

Residence (East Side, West Side, Northeast, Central, Lower Valley, County): Mission Valley

Relevant Experience (for print, will be edited 100 words max): I served as a prosecutor under George Rodriguez. I have served as an Associate Municipal Judge for the City of El Paso. I was honored as Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year in 2001 by the El Paso Criminal Law Group. I serve on the fee dispute committee for the El Paso Bar Association. I have practiced law in El Paso for 29 years. I am licensed in federal Court in Texas, Michigan and Nebraska. I have been admitted to practice on a case by case basis in New Mexico, Minnesota, Colorado, California, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, and Mississippi.

 

1. What is the most important issue facing the court?

In my opinion, the backlog of cases is the most serious issue. This caseload causes a delay in getting cases to trial. I believe in the principle that justice delayed is justice denied.

 

2. Is the local system of oversight sufficient to protect the public from unfair judges? If so, why, and if not, how would you change it? I do not believe there are safeguards in place to protect the public from unfair judges. Often, the public is not made aware of the misconduct or lack of fairness until a formal complaint is filed with the Judicial Conduct Commission. In my opinion, a system of monitors should be implemented.

 

3. What experience do you have with the law that will make you a good judge? I have prosecuted. I have listened from the bench as a presiding judge. I have many years or experience defending ordinary citizens accused of a crime.

 

4. How do District Courts differ from County Courts? District courts handle more serious felony criminal cases and civil cases involving larger monetary amounts. El Paso County Criminal District Court One is a court of general jurisdiction with an emphasis on felony drug cases. County courts handle misdemeanors.

 

5. What is your position on the trend at the state level to either consolidate the county and district courts or to allow them to hear similar cases? This is a great idea. I believe sitting El Paso judges possess the skills and knowledge necessary to dispose of any criminal or civil case.

 

6. In El Paso, it seems like lawyers and judges know each other, something perhaps similar to most communities.What are some of the situations under which you think a judge ought to recuse himself/herself? Are the rules clear enough and if not, how would you change them? I believe a judge who is interested in the outcome of any case or who has predetermined which party should prevail should recuse himself or herself. A judge should disclose if any of the litigants are related by marriage or blood. A judge should disclose if he or she has a financial interest in the outcome. A judge should disclose any friendship with any of the parties. Our current system makes it difficult to recuse a judge. I would support a system that allows either side one recusal without listing specific cause. Often, the parties are in a better position to determine whether a judge can be fair under a particular set of facts.

 

7. Is there fair access to justice for everyone? How would you improve access; specifically, how would you support public defenders? I would insure that public defenders or court appointed attorneys receive the necessary support in terms of investigators, experts or other funding necessary to a proper defense. A gap should not exist between the quality of legal services received by the poor and and the legal representation afforded to the wealthy.