(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Republican primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. Charles Kuffner at Off the Kuff is running the same series for Democratic candidates.)

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

I am Hon. Lynn Bradshaw Hull.  I am running for District Judge of the 280th Judicial District Court, the newly designated domestic violence court.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

In October, 2009, the 280th District Court became the first court in the State of Texas designated for domestic violence cases.  This court hears applications for protective orders against family violence and dating violence; and any matter involving custody of a minor child if one parent is alleged to have caused the death of another parent and there is a history of domestic violence in the parents’ relationship.  Subject to judicial discretion and resources, the court may also hear divorce and custody cases in which a court has made an affirmative finding of family violence involving both parties, or a protective order has been issued under Title 4, Family Code, involving both parties.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

It is anticipated that 3,000 applications for protective orders will be filed annually.   Having one court for these cases provides immediate responsiveness, intervention and consistency.  The overall objective is the lessening of misdemeanors, felonies and deaths involving domestic violence.  I am the only candidate with fourteen years of trial judge expertise, including domestic violence matters, and court administration duties involving heavy dockets.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

Beginning private practice in 1984, I represented clients in predominantly civil and domestic relations, including domestic violence matters, and served as a certified mediator until elected to the bench.

In 1994, I was first elected to serve as Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3, and re-elected in 1998 and 2002.  In 2006, I was elected District Judge of the 80th Judicial District Court where I also volunteered to assist the family courts by presiding in domestic violence matters.

I presided fairly in the disposition of more than 60,000 cases, including over 500 jury trials.  I am dual-certified by the Texas College for Judicial Studies as a specialist in Civil Jurisdiction and General Jurisdiction, both of which include domestic violence.  Only five judges in Texas have achieved dual certification.  I have been recognized as “Judge of the Year” by Peace Officers Looking Into Courthouse Excellence (P.O.L.I.C.E. Inc.), and honored with two Texas State Bar Presidential Commendations for judicial leadership.  Since 2009, I have served as a visiting judge and mediator.

I am a native Texan, married to Christopher Bradshaw Hull for over thirty years and we have two grown, married children and one grandchild.

5. Why is this race important?

No one is immune from being a victim of domestic violence or being accused of domestic violence.  The 280th District Court, as the newly designated Domestic Violence Court, is designed to improve victim safety and enhance accountability.   My skills as a trial judge and reputation as a proven neutral uniquely qualify me to interface with representatives of the District Attorney’s office, Family Protective Services, AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence) and private litigators while continuing to safeguard the process in managing these hearings.

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

I am a candidate in the Republican Primary.  I am the only candidate for the 280th who has presided as a judge in domestic violence cases; and I bring over 14 years of proven judicial expertise and court administration.   I am the only Republican candidate for the 280th who has never voted in a Democrat Primary, and I have never run as anything other than a Republican.

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

It has been my privilege to run and serve as a Republican since 1994.

Website: judgebradshawhull.com