A look at LA County's judicial races: 'These are important decisions that impact everyone'

A view of the defendant's table in a courtroom closed due to budget cuts and layoffs, at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles on March 16, 2009. Beset by an unprecedented budget crisis, the LA Superior Court, the largest trial court system in the US, laid off 329 employees and announced the closure of 17 courtrooms, with more of both expected in the future.

Here in LA County, you'll find 8 candidates vying for a seat on the Superior Court. They'll hear cases on everything from contract disputes to homicides to family conflicts.

Here in LA County, you'll find eight candidates vying for a seat on the Los Angeles Superior Court on next week's ballot.

Each judicial candidate is seeking a six-year term on the bench.

During that time they'll hear criminal and civil cases–everything from contract disputes to homicides to family conflicts.

"These are important decisions that impact everyone today," said Paul Bacigalupo, a current judge on LA's Superior Court who also serves on the executive board of the California Judges Association. "Judges need to act in a way that people who come to the courts feel that they are being heard in a fair and impartial way."

With such a packed ballot–and during such a busy election season–making an informed decision can be tough, said Bacigalupo, but he had some tips on what to look for in candidates.

"You want to look at their judicial temperament, their ability to remain objective, be patient, and remain impartial," said Bacigalupo.

This series is a part of our voter game plan, in which we make it easier for you to vote. To read more about the LA County Superior Court Judge candidates, and for a digital version of your personalized ballot, visit kpcc.org/votergameplan. (Don't see all of the judicial candidates at that link? They'll be on Take Two starting Tuesday, Nov. 1 through the election, so check back for more!)