A seat on the 3rd Judicial Circuit is up for election this November. Sitting Judge John Atkins is running for a fourth term in office, but unlike his 2014 run, he is facing opposition. At the League of Women Voters forum, Challenger Stephanie Bolen said there should be more transparency and inclusivity in the judicial system.
click to download audioJudge Atkins says he thinks the judicial system could benefit from additional funding.
click to download audioWhile several questions about safety at the Commonwealth’s Attorneys, County Attorneys, and Public Defender offices were posed during the forum, a sitting judge would have no jurisdiction over how the officers are staffed or what safety protocols were enacted.
Bolen says she thinks a challenge to justice is preferential treatment.
click to download audioJudge Atkins says he has always tried to be fair in his rulings.
click to download audioA Circuit Judge is responsible for felony criminal cases which occur in Christian County. The full forum can be found on the League’s Facebook page and Youtube channel.
