Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg P.O. Box 16550 • Charlotte, N.C. 28297 info@ bpc-charlotte.org • www.bpc-charlotte.org
2012 Primary Judicial Questionnaire Candidate:
Roy Wiggins
Office Dist Court Judge – (Moore) Sought:
Website:
royforjudge.net
Email:
[email protected]
Please provide clear and concise responses to the following questions. 1. To what extent have you practiced in the area of criminal law? Family law? Complex civil legislation? I have extensive experience in criminal law serving as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. I have practiced law for over 21 years. I have practiced in District Court, Superior Court and Federal Court. During that time, I have represented thousands of persons during that time. My family law experience is mostly in the area of domestic violence where I have represented individulas accused of crimes and have assisted persons in obtaining restraining orders. I have handled numerous cases in civil court as well. 2. What is your general judicial philosophy? I believe that the law should be followed but applied faily and with the exercise of discretion. I also believe that everyone who appears in court should be treated with respect and dignity. 3. As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? My greatest strength is my extensive experience of over 21 years. I believe that my legal experience as well as my experience as a parent, husband and citizen will be a strong assest t me on the bench. My greatest weakness is my desire to spend as much time listening to all parties as necessary to seek a just and fair decision. 4. What has been your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? In your personal life?
Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg My greatest accomplishment in my legal careerr is successfully operating my law practive for over 17 years. My greatest accomplishment in my personal life is my marraige of 27 years and raising a wonderful, respectful and intelligent daughter. 5. Who are your judicial role models? Why? Judge Sam Tate from Morganton. He has held court in Mecklenburg County numerous times over the years. He is a very compasssionalte judge who understands the law but applies it with discretion and respect for all parties. He has extensive knowledge of the United States Constitution. He also has a very calm and reassureing demeanor in court. 6. If you became aware of unethical conduct on the part of a trial advocate in a case in which you were presiding, how would you handle it? It would depend on the extent and level of the conduct. In most cases, I would try to address it with the parties to see if the conduct was intentional or not. I would also use the opportunity to educate the advocate about the ethical responsibilities of attorneys. a. Do you believe judges should be required to report attorney misconduct? Yes if it is a violation of the Rules of Professional Responsibility. 7. What do you believe are the causes of the high rates of minority incarceration? I believe that the easy availabilty of illegal drugs, high unemployment and the loss of hope leads some minorities down the wrong path. I believe a strong economy with opportunity for all will help address this problem. I also believe that education should be stressed at a very early age. A good education combined with economic opportunity will help tp reduce minority incarceration rates.What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any? As stressed above, economic opportunity will lead to more justice for everyone. I do think a lack of understandinbg of the judicial system is a deterrent to justice.
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