Paul H. Anderson

Click here to see video of the candidate.

Born: May 14, 1943; Eden Prairie, Minn.

Education:

• University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1968
• Macalester College, B.A., 1965

• Minnesota Supreme Court, associate justice, 1994-present
• Minnesota Court of Appeals, chief judge, 1992-94
• LeVander, Gillen & Miller, attorney, 1971-92
• Minnesota Attorney General's Office, special assistant attorney general, 1970
• Volunteers in Service to America, attorney, 1968-69

• American Bar Association
• American Judicature Society
• Dakota County Bar Association
• District 1 Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Minnesota Women Lawyers
• Ramsey County Bar Association

• Amicus Board of Directors
• House of Hope Presbyterian Church
• University of Minnesota Law School Adjunct Professor
• University of St. Thomas School of Law Mentor

Hobbies/Interests: Biking, cooking, reading

Family: Wife, Jan Stadther Anderson; two daughters

Website: www.justicepaulanderson.org

Why did you opt to become a judge?
Gov. Harold LeVander, my former law partner, frequently commented that his judicial appointments were among his most significant acts as governor. Harold was proud of having made good judicial appointments. His comments and views piqued my interest in the judiciary, an interest that heightened when I advised Gov. Arne Carlson on judicial matters in 1990-92. This background caused me to respond positively when I was asked to apply to become chief judge of the Court of Appeals in 1992. Harold was right, the judiciary does provide a tremendous opportunity to be of service and to contribute to society.

Why should voters select you rather than your opponent?
Extensive legal and judicial experience; a reputation for being a conscientious, fair and open-minded judge; a strong work ethic; an extraordinary commitment to public service that includes numerous meetings with, and presentations to, school children, college, university and law school students and civic groups; authorship of several scholarly articles on legal and judicial issues currently facing our state and country; a reputation for writing thoughtful and well-reasoned opinions; and a state, national and international reputation for being knowledgeable about the law. I am proud of my reputation for always trying to do my best and a willingness to put in the effort necessary to accomplish this goal.

What have been some of your accomplishments during your time on the bench?
A significant body of legal opinions that have developed the law in Minnesota, writing several opinions that have had national significance, and being a positive contributor to court opinions that have been authored by my colleagues. Having provided statewide and national leadership on issues such as court interpreters, state constitutional law, privacy and court records, civics education, professionalism and the rule of law. Being accessible and responsive to members of the legal community and the public. Mentorship of several students and lawyers. Working with lawyers and judges from other countries who seek to understand the American legal system.

What are the major issues facing the court on which you sit?
Maintenance of our court's reputation for competence, impartiality and integrity in light of the changing circumstances on how judges are selected, elected and retained. The ability to continue to do a good job when financial resources across the legal system (judiciary, prosecutors and public defenders) are scarce and will continue to be scarce in the immediate future. Continuing to innovate and adjust how we deliver our services so that the judicial system remains accessible to all those we are required to serve. Maintaining and in some cases restoring Minnesotan's trust and confidence in our judicial system.

How can these issues realistically be addressed?
Better education of the public on the proper role of the judiciary. Maintenance of an atmosphere and culture in which the very best persons in the legal profession want to serve in the judiciary and are encouraged to do so. Better education and outreach to the public and the executive and legislative branches of government so that there is a greater understanding of the resources the judiciary needs for it to function effectively. Continued emphasis on the need to change and innovate so that courts develop better and more efficient ways to deliver services.

What role, if any, should politics play in judicial campaigns? (for example, party endorsements, discussions of political views, etc...)
Politics will always play some role in judicial campaigns, but the role of politics should be kept to an absolute minimum. Partisan politics and party endorsements should have no role in judicial campaigns and candidates for judicial office should not express their views on issues, political or otherwise, that may come before the court. Otherwise judges must disqualify themselves from deciding such issues when they come before the court. Candidates for judicial office should comment on their background, qualifications for judicial office and express their views on how to best administer the judicial system.

What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?
I am a native of Minnesota with family roots in our state that date back to the 1850s. I am proud of our state's reputation for having a good government. I believe that an independent, fair and impartial judiciary is a major ingredient in forming this reputation and I will continue to work to ensure that these qualities endure. I believe that judges must understand and be responsive to the needs of the people, and I will continue to work diligently to promote respect for the law and the rights of all Minnesotans.