The current judge of Halifax County’s General District Court is moving on up…
Today, Tim Kaine appointed Joel Cunningham to the 10th District Circuit Court which covers Halifax and counties eastward.
Cunningham will have to be reappointed by the General Assembly in January. Cunningham’s current General District seat will be filled by a selection of the current Circuit Court judges. That selection will also have to be reappointed by the General Assembly in January.
Thanks go to one of SouthsideCentral’s good reporting friends for the news and the full explanation of how the appointment process actually works. SouthsideCentral is the place for in-depth analysis of the Breaking News stories!
I figured Judge Joel would get the nod. I just hope he takes a tougher stance on crime in circuit court than he did in GD. I also pray that a conservative judge is chosen to replace Joel in GD court.
If he had been tougher is GD court, where would we house all the criminals?
Housing of criminals is a consideration of the legislature, who are often known for bad decisions. The legislature closes jails and prisons (or refuses to build new ones) to save money; therefore sending criminals back to the streets to offend again.
The judge’s role is not to worry about jail/prison space. It’s to convict or acquit based on the evidence. Too often, judges allow personal views to cloud rulings.
In general district court, only misdemeanor charges and traffic violations are heard. Sentences are mostly in the form of fines or short jail terms (12 months or less). I see no problem in suspended sentences or fines for first time minor offenders. It’s the constant repeat offenders who are let loose over and over again. It’s also letting people off even though the evidence proves them guilty.
I honestly believe liberal courts only add to the crime rate. Where’s the deterrence?