Court candidate promises fairness
Published 12:00 am Monday, August 14, 2006
Circuit Judge John H. England Jr. of Tuscaloosa says he wants the people of Butler County to put someone on the Alabama Supreme Court who will bring experience, fairness and balance to the highest court in the state.
He believes he's just the man for the job.
England stopped in at the Butler County Courthouse on Thursday to meet with Circuit Judge Ed McFerrin and other lawyers and law professionals from the area.
“I think we need experienced trial judges on the Alabama Supreme Court. We need to bring that perspective to the court. I've been in court; I've been involved in trials. That's important,” England said.
A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, England has 20 years of experience in private practice and served two stints on the Tuscaloosa City Council.
He served as Circuit Judge from 1993-1999 and from 2001- present.
Appointed by Gov. Siegelman to Judge Mark Kennedy's place on the State Supreme Court following Kennedy's retirement, England was one of many Democrats “swept out” in the 2000 elections.
He's ready to step back into the fray, he says.
“I think we lack significant trial experience on the court right now, especially within the criminal justice system of the court. We need that – and I have that,” England said.
“After all, the Supreme Court reviews trials – who better to serve on that court than an experienced trial lawyer and judge?”
England is a member of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and is active in several civic and religious organizations, including the Salvation Army, YMCA, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Exchange Club, Civitans and coaching Little League.