Through his strong sense of integrity, Justice Joel Horton has built up an impressive record during the past 14 years. Now, he is campaigning to retain his seat as a member of the Idaho Supreme Court.
Through the Bar survey, lawyers across Idaho gave Horton higher grades than his opponent, John Bradbury, in knowledge and understanding of the law; integrity and independence; legal experience and ability; and judicial temperament and demeanor. All of these traits are crucial in a justice. Horton says himself that he has a strong desire to make impartial decisions and defend the Constitution.
Justice Horton is in favor of expanding drug courts and other problem-solving resources. Within these resources, judges work with defendants to help them solve their problems in a situation other than a traditional court. It's much less per person to send a person through the drug courts than it is to send a person to jail.
There isn't anything wrong with Bradbury, but the job of the Supreme Court is to have complete knowledge of the Constitution, and Horton certainly does this.
Wendy Jaquet
Ketchum