Paula Patrick
Republican | Pennsylvania
Candidate Profile
Originalist
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Paula Patrick
Party
Republican
Election Year
2021
Election
Supreme Court and Special Legislative
Race
Supreme Court Justice
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Bennett College, Greensboro, B.A., 1990
Texas Southern University-Thurgood Marshall School, Houston, J.D., 1993
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Federalist Society, Member, Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges
Judge, Faith Tabernacle Church, Member
Woman Aflame, Founder/Leader
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 2003
City Commissioner, 2015
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Pa Supreme Court, 2021
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Pennsylvania Pro-life Federation PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Pa ProLife Federation
Firearms Owners of America (FOAC)
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
Firearm Owners Against Crime (2017)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2020)
State Republican Party Organizations (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
Action of PA (2017)
Scott Wagner (2017)
State Republican Party Organizations (2017)
OTHER INFORMATION
The Pennsylvania Bar Association gives Judge Patrick its highest rating.
See the American Family Association's voter guide on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Notable Quotes:
- “My passion for the rule of law runs deep…I refuse to legislate from the bench.”
- “I believe my strong conservative roots, hard work and experience make me the best candidate for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court” (4/10/21 Facebook post).
- “I will be the first step in returning the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the foundation of Constitutional first principles that Pennsylvanians expect.”
Judge Patrick spoke at a rally that called for an end to the COVID-19 shutdown and mask mandate in Pennsylvania. According to WESA, Judge Patrick spoke about her decision to become a Republican in 2009 and criticized the Democratic Party for "moving too far to the left."
Partisan History:
- Judge Patrick filed as a “Democratic / Republican” candidate in a 2003 race for the Court of Common Pleas.
- Judge Patrick ran as a Democrat for the Superior Court in 2009.
- Judge Patrick ran as a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania courts in 2011 and 2017 races, and she is currently running as a Republican for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What role (if any) does a judge have in maintaining the separation of church and state?
A judge must abide by the judicial cannons as well as uphold our Constitutions.
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Justices should not interpret the federal and state constitutions as living documents, but should use a textualist and originalist approach to interpretation.
Agree
What is the proper use of legislative history in interpreting statutory law?
The language of the statute is the most important part of a statute. If the language itself is straightforward and plain, it must applied according to terms. However, if a statute is unclear, the interpretative process begins. This is where one could look to legislative history.
Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
Justice Clarence Thomas
How should a court review claims by the government that individual rights must be curtailed during an emergency such as a pandemic?
Cannot comment pursuant to the Code of Judicial Conduct
When should a judge overturn past court decisions?
When they are proven to be wrong pursuant to the law.
How should a judge determine which rights are protected by the Constitution even though they are not specifically mentioned?
The Constitution is very clear on which rights are protected. It's called the "Bill of Rights."
What legal principles should a court consider when evaluating parents’ objection to their child obtaining medical procedures or drugs designed to affirm the child’s desired gender?
Parents have sole legal authority over their children unless and until that child becomes of age or if that parent's rights have been terminated.
Would you describe your judicial philosophy as originalist, living constitutionalist, or something else?
Originalist
ABOUT YOU
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2012 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2018 Republican Primary, 2018 General Election
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
NO
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have been rated "Highly Recommended" by the Pa Bar Association because I have been a Judge for 18 years; adjudicated more than 20,000 cases and written more than 600 opinions to our 3 appellate courts; served many years in Election Court; served as City Commissioner 2015 overseeing the City's elections; adjudicate appeals from the Municipal Court; extensive trial experience.
Why should the voters choose you?
Because it is time for a REAL change on our Supreme Court. That Court should reflect our society. There are currently NO justices of color there. I would be the 1st woman of color elected to that Court. Moreover, I have a proven track record of extensive experience, integrity, and courage so badly needed for that Court. I possess the highest level of skills needed for that Court and I am passionate about the rule of law and our Constitutions.
VALUES
In light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County, which justice’s opinion most closely aligns with your opinion of whether the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should be extended to the LGBTQ community?
No Answer
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
George Washington's comment that “Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society” is still true today.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian.
What types of pro bono work have you done?
As an attorney I have worked with Philadelphia VIP program; KIDSCAP program; CBAP-Community Bankruptcy Assistance Project; Senior Law Center (formerly Judicare) and assisted ex-offenders to get re-intergrated back into society.
