Interview with candidate Lorraine Sherman

by Erik MacLean
Sections: State, Local, Politics
From: Volume 2, Issue 6

LIBERTY SENTINEL: How long have you been practicing law?

SHERMAN: I have been practicing law for over 12 years. Currently I practice family and criminal law and I have also been a family law mediator in the past.

LIBERTY SENTINEL: What inspired you to run for office?

SHERMAN: Fifteen years ago I was working on a teaching degree in Texas but was forced to move to Florida and couldn’t finish my degree. I didn’t know what to do and went to Santa Fe Community College where I decided I wanted to pursue law. I wanted to become a judge from the beginning.

LIBERTY SENTINEL: What do you want to accomplish as judge?

SHERMAN: The most important thing for a judge to do is follow the law. It is against the Constitution and separation of powers to legislate from the bench. It is also important for the judge to listen to all the evidence in order to make a good decision. The judge should be neutral and base decisions on the evidence. It is also important to be respectful to the courtroom. I have been in over 30 court rooms in Florida and have seen good and bad judges. Court is a scary place for people to be and the judge needs to keep order in the court room and be respectful.

LIBERTY SENTINEL: What do you think of the judges in Alachua?

SHERMAN: I have spent time in third and eighth circuits in Alachua and they had excellent judges. We are blessed to have such good judges.

LIBERTY SENTINEL: Tell me about your community service.

SHERMAN: From 1987 to 1992, I lead a free food program in Dallas. I would deliver meals to shutins, the elderly, and the handicapped. This was run by myself and my husband and was completely self sufficient. We had over ten volunteers and delivered to over 175 people. In Alachua from 2000- 2003 I helped in team court which is a program for juveniles and first offenders. I sat as judge. The jury members, prosecutors and defense were volunteers and children. This helped reach young offenders and gave kids an opportunity in community service.

LIBERTY SENTINEL: What makes you qualified to be judge?

SHERMAN: I am experienced in the courtroom and as a mother. I feel like I have lived two lives. I have handled over 1000 cases. I have done many custody cases, alimony cases, and some jury trials.

Most of it was family law though I have also done some immigration law. I am experienced in the court room and as a parent. As a mother of four I was a full time homemaker as well as a full time student.

My experiences as a parent would help in the court room. Like a parent, a judge needs to be nice but also needs to know how to keep order in the court room.

Find out more about Lorraine Sherman online at http://www.shermanforjudge.com/