Dawn H. Beam
Non-Partisan | Mississippi
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Dawn H. Beam
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2016
Election
General
Race
Supreme Court Justice, District 2, Place 2
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, J.D., 1989
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, B.A., 1986
WORK & MILITARY
Mississippi Supreme Court, Justice, 2016
10th Chancery District, Chancellor, 2010-2015
Lamar County Attorney, County Attorney, 2007-2010
Practiced Law, Attorney, 1989-2010
AFFILIATIONS
Salvation Army, Advisory Board Member, University of Southern Mississippi
Former Foundation Board Member, Sumrall Lions Club, Member
Pinebelt360, Founding Member, Sumrall Development Foundation
Founding Member, Sumrall United Methodist Church, Member
Children's Justice Commission, Co-Chair, Commission on Access to Justice
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, 2016
Chancery Judge, 2010-2015
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Elected Lamar County Attorney, 2007-2010
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)
BIPEC
Republican Party
Mississippi State Medical Association
Mississippi Nursing Home Association
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Election of judges by the people for a definite term of office is the best way to select judges.
Neutral
Which U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
No Answer
Which of the following U.S. presidents best reflects your political philosophy?
No Answer
The founders established pure democracy in the Constitution because they believed that it is the best form of government to ensure the safety and equitable treatment of all citizens.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property turn mankind's natural self-interest into the most productive economic system there is.
Strongly Agree
George Washington's comment that “Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society” is still true today.
Strongly Agree
Islamic law (Sharia) does not pose a threat to the United States and its Constitution.
No Answer
Based on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, please arrange the following entities, starting with the highest source of authority, and continue the list in descending order of authority, skipping any that do not apply: Academia, Congress, Constitution, God, Industry, Media, Professional Sports, Supreme Court, Voters.
We have a system of checks and balances of Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative and pledge to follow the Constitution. I pray to God daily for wisdom to make the best decisions. Voters should hold us accountable for our actions.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
We all have different priorities and opinions. Our Founders had the wisdom to institute a checks and balances system to act as an arbiter when disagreements occur rather than to depend on violence.
What is the proper use of legislative history in interpreting statutory law?
We look at legislative history when trying to determine the legislative intent.
What specific text in the Declaration of Independence provides the critical basis for individual rights and the form of government guaranteed in the United States Constitution?
We are all created equal and have the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness which are guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence. The Bill of Rights prohibits Congress from making any law respecting establishment of religion and prohibits the federal government from depriving any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law. The Courts enforce these rights and protect all citizens.
In which partisan primary election did you most recently vote (e.g. Democratic, Republican, etc.)?
not available
The U.S. Constitution and my state constitution should be interpreted as living documents, rather than use a strict constructionist or originalist philosophy.
Strongly Disagree
In light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges allowing members of the same sex to marry, which justice’s opinion in that case most closely approximates your understanding of marriage?
I will follow the Law.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
God has poured out his grace on me and I live to give to others because of all He has done for me. I believe that God has placed me in this position as Supreme Court Justice to make a difference in our world - especially for our children. I will continue to be a voice for our children and lead the judiciary as we embrace the challenge of protecting our children and youth. I acknowledge that I am totally dependent on God and I ask Him for wisdom each day to be the best servant I can be and to leave the world a better place.
Considering all issues (social, economic, national security, etc.), which of these best describes you?
No Answer
Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.
I call each case like I see it. I promised to follow the Law and do not apply my personal beliefs to a case.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you.
jbeam@courts.ms.gov 601-359-2094
Additional comment from candidate:
It is an honor to serve our citizens on the Supreme Court of Mississippi. I ask each citizen of South Mississippi for their vote and will do my best to make wise decisions in the disputes before me. In addition, I will continue to strive to join with State leaders to improve the lives for all Mississippians, most importantly our children and youth.
