Biography

 

Name:  Patricia A. Macías

Age:    56

Occupation: District Judge, 388th Judicial District Court

Website: www.JudgeMacias.com

Residence: Central

Relevant Experience (for print, will be edited 100 words max):

 

District Judge, 388th Judicial District Court, 2000-present.

Associate Judge, 65th Judicial District Court,1995-1999.

Appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to the Texas Judicial Commission on Children, Youth and Families, 2007-present.

Appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to the Texas Supreme Court Task Force on Foster Care, 1997-2007.

President-Elect, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2007- present.

Board Member, Texas CASA Board of Trustees, 1999-2002.

 

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

Each case before the family court should be the most important issue facing the court that day. The difficult decisions made in family court affect a family’s daily life and future well-being. A family court judge must issue legal and practical protections that focus on the best interest of the child and ensure the family’s financial stability. The judge must act without bias, free of self-interest, and with courage.

 

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?

 

Yes. Litigants who are not satisfied with the resolution of their case have the right to appeal the District Court’s decisions to the 8th Court of Appeals. If, after appeal, the party still finds problems with the judgment, it can petition the Texas Supreme Court to review the case.            

 

3. What experience do you have with the law that will make you a good judge?

           

For 13 years, I have presided over cases of abuse and neglect, divorce and custody, domestic violence, child support and adoption. I also have been active in statewide and national efforts to examine the foster care system, develop creative solutions for complex family law issues, and educate other family court judges.

           

4. How do District Courts differ from County Courts?

 

In this jurisdiction, Family Courts are District Courts with general jurisdiction. In El Paso County, all family cases are assigned to a District Court. County courts do not hear family cases.

 

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?

           

Court systems should be designed to serve the community’s needs at the optimum level. If consolidation will save judicial resources without sacrificing justice, continuity, and efficiency, then it will be a positive move.

           

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?

           

Recusal is an important legal mechanism which provides for review on a case by cases basis.

           

7. Is there fair access to justice for everyone? How would you improve access; specifically, how would you support public defenders?

 

In family cases, it is critically important that every interested party’s voice be heard. Unfortunately, the current law does not provide for a court-appointed attorney in family law cases.