Seeing Red

S001 E024 - Judge Michelle Slaughter Talks Reelection, Paxton, and Qualifications

February 14, 2024 Andi Turner & Garrett Fulce Season 1 Episode 24
Seeing Red
S001 E024 - Judge Michelle Slaughter Talks Reelection, Paxton, and Qualifications
Show Notes

About the Guest(s):
Our distinguished guest on the show is Judge Michelle Slaughter. She is currently serving as a jurist on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and is actively campaigning for reelection. Her legal career is marked by a transition from private practice to public service, where she won an election against a 12-year incumbent Democrat to become a judge in the 405th District Court of Galveston County. As a judge, she established a reputation for efficiency and staunch adherence to the principles of constitutional conservatism and originalist interpretation of law. With over eleven years of judicial experience and a commitment to never be an activist judge, Michelle Slaughter stands out as a jurist dedicated to the law's strict interpretation and original intent.

Episode Summary:
This week on "Seeing Red," hosts Andi Turner and Garrett Fulce welcome Judge Michelle Slaughter, one of the preeminent voices in the Texas legal landscape. Our guest shares an intriguing glimpse into the judiciary's inner workings, emphasizing the importance of judicial philosophy, the rule of law, and the efficient administration of justice.

In a dynamic conversation that spans topics from court efficiency and case backlogs to constitutional interpretation and election fraud, Judge Slaughter delineates her strict adherence to originalist legal philosophy. With a five-year term on the Court of Criminal Appeals and prior experience as a trial judge, she discusses her track record of non-activism and the pressing need for judges to follow the law, without regard to personal inclinations or external pressures.

Key Takeaways:
Judicial Philosophy Assurances: Judge Michelle Slaughter underscores her commitment to the originalist interpretation of the constitution and laws, refusing to be swayed by activism or political pressures.

Court Efficiency Strategies: As a former district judge, Slaughter explains the processes she implemented to transform the least efficient court in Galveston County into the most effective.

Confronting Voter Fraud: A complex discussion unfolds around the constitutionality of the attorney general's authority to prosecute voter fraud cases, emphasizing the need for judicial restraint and adherence to constitutional mandates.

Campaign Trails and Constitutions: Slaughter shares insights into the rigors of her campaign, traveling throughout Texas to engage with voters on her stance regarding constitutional conservatism.

Educating Voters: There is an educational aspect to the episode where Slaughter explains key components of the legal system, such as the Texas constitution and the distinction between judges and justices in this context.

Follow her on twitter at: https://twitter.com/judgeslaughter
For more information on Judge Slaughter, check out her website at: https://www.judgemichelleslaughter.com/

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