Terri J. Stoneburner

Click here to see video of the candidate.

Born:Oct. 13, 1945; Indianapolis

Education:

• University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 1975
• Hanover College, B.A., 1967

• Minnesota Court of Appeals, judge, 2000-present
• Minnesota 5th Judicial District, judge, 1990-2000
• Farrish, Johnson & Maschka, attorney, 1980-90
• Minnesota State University Mankato, adjunct faculty, 1980-86
• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, staff attorney, 1976-79

• Minnesota District Judges Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Minnesota Women Lawyers

• Children’s Justice Initiative
• Family Law Appellate Mediation Pilot Project
• Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards
• Minnesota Supreme Court Juvenile Protection Rules Committee
• University of St. Thomas School of Law Mock Trial Judge
• William Mitchell College of Law Mock Trial Judge

Hobbies/Interests: Boating, cabin, family, gardening, quilting, reading, walking

Family: Husband, Richard D. Berens; two children

Website: www.judgeterristoneburner.org

Why did you opt to become a judge?
In 1990, I believed that my life experiences, legal skills and dedication to service qualified me for the position of District Court judge, and I believed that women should serve as judges. In 2000, I believed that my experience as a trial lawyer and trial court judge, together with my love of research and writing, strong work ethic and dedication to improvement of the legal system would be valuable assets to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. I was appointed through a merit selection process. By responsibly fulfilling my duties, I gained the public’s confidence: I have been elected judge three times.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?
The voters should select me because I am the most qualified candidate. The American system of justice depends on qualified, impartial judges. For 18 years I have served as a fair, impartial, intelligent, well-prepared and efficient judge. My life experience, legal experience, collegiality, work ethic and dedication to continuous improvement of what is already a nationally acclaimed judicial system make me a valuable asset to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. I am dedicated to upholding and impartially applying the provisions of the constitutions of the United States and Minnesota, and the law created by the Legislature and case precedent.

What have been some of your accomplishments during your time on the bench?
In addition to participating in decision making and authoring hundreds of opinions, I have participated in the Children’s Justice Initiative since its inception, co-chaired the Legal Services Planning Commission (received SMRLS [Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services] 21st Century Leadership Award in 2004 along with co-chair Justice Sam Hanson), chaired a legislative workgroup on use of limited public defender resources in child protection cases, served on the Board of Judicial Standards since 2005, a Guardian ad Litem Advisory Committee 2007-08 and the Juvenile Protection Rules Committee. I am involved in improving appellate timelines in child protection cases and establishing a family law mediation pilot process for the appellate courts.

What are the major issues facing the court on which you sit?
Maintaining the highest standard of judicial decision making and opinion writing in the face of a growing caseload and a shrinking budget is an issue for all Minnesota courts. Keeping partisan politics, special interests and religious agendas out of the judicial selection process is another issue that must be addressed by the courts and all citizens.

How can these issues realistically be addressed?
Court of Appeals judges are working together to find ways to reduce the backlog while maintaining quality decision making and opinion writing essential to our work. The Legislature added three judges to the Court of Appeals. We are studying the most effective use of court staff and are launching a pilot family law mediation project designed to help litigants satisfactorily resolve as many issues as possible without the time and expense of a full appeal. Maintaining the impartiality of Minnesota judges depends to a great extent on the integrity of those seeking judgeships and is being addressed in public debate and legislative/constitutional proposals.

What role, if any, should politics play in judicial campaigns? (for example, party endorsements, discussions of political views, etc...)
I see no role for partisan politics, special interests or religious tests in judicial selection or judicial campaigns. The American system of justice depends on impartial judges whose allegiance is, as our oath requires, to the constitutions of the United States and Minnesota and to the law, rather than to a particular political or religious point of view. The judiciary is not a place for special interest advocacy.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?
I seek a second term on the Court of Appeals to continue to use the talents that I have been blessed with to serve justice in Minnesota. I am intelligent, fair, thoughtful, compassionate, impartial, hardworking, responsible and collegial. These qualities have allowed me to serve the individuals whose cases come before me by making timely, well-reasoned, well-explained decisions that enable individuals to move forward from whatever issues have brought them to court. Our American way of life depends on equal access to impartial justice for all. It is an honor to be accountable to this great justice system.