Laura V. Faircloth
Non-Partisan | West Virginia
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Laura V. Faircloth
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary and Municipal General
Race
Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Div., 1
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Candidate did not provide
WORK & MILITARY
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AFFILIATIONS
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POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
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POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
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SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Hillary Clinton (2008)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
During an interview Faircloth discussed her understanding of the rile of judiciary stating:
“I believe our founders intended for the court system, particularly those of reviewing status like the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia to be the final boundary, the final protector of freedom and justice for everyone. And that's why it is in the third article of the constitution, legislature, executive being the first two, but the one most trusted, the one most removed is the judicial branch.”
In 2024, she stated that the court’s first priority is to give “people a speedy and fair trial, while balancing compassion and fairness” and that “we try to look out for the human component. We want to help them be a better person, rather than a better criminal.”
Judge Laura Faircloth emphasizes fairness and transparency in her courtroom. She stated:
“I thought that giving the public a little bit more information about what we judges do is important for transparency and for them to not feel like, ‘Oh, we sit up here in this beautiful building, and we don’t do anything.’” She also stated, “We try to look out for the human component. We want to help them be a better person, rather than a better criminal.”
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
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A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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