Patrick O'Shea: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: LombardWebsite: http://www.PatrickJOshea.comOffice sought: 18th Circuit (Thompson vacancy)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married, six children, one grandchildOccupation: Attorney County Board Member -District 2Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.) from the University of Illinois Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the John Marshall Law SchoolCivic involvement: Lyons Club (fundraising solititation) Former Lombard Rotary Club Sperling Award Committee ChairmanElected offices held: County Board MemberHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers What traits do you bring to the bench? What makes you more qualified for the position than your opponent?I have tried over 200 civil and criminal trials as well as numerous appeals. I have also practiced in federal court regarding criminal cases as well as patent and trademark cases in numerous federal jurisdictions. My technical education as well as my trial experience allow me to understand and hear civil and criminal cases which is unique and distinguishes me from other candidates. When a new judge is elected, he or she is assigned to a trial court. Many appointed judges have little or no trial experience when they are first appointed. I am the opposite, I bring 30 years of trial and legal experience to the bench.Now that DuPage County is going to participate in the voluntary program to have cameras in the courtroom, what are your thoughts about how it should be implemented?Many other jurisdictions have allowed the media in court rooms. The O. J. Simpson trial is an example. I believe that cameras should be allowed in the court room so long as the utilization of cameras and other recording devices do not disturb the proceedings. The duty to insure that litigants are treated with respect and that each trial is conducted in a proper fashion falls upon the trial judge as well as the media.What are your thoughts about having to campaign in an election to become a judge? Should judges be appointed instead of running for office?I believe that all judges should have to campaign. Campaigning allows the public to view a prospective judges' credentials, to become informed as to each candidates background and to observe the demeanor and personality of the candidates. For instance, judges candidates who run negative campaigns, to hide their incredible lack of qualifications will be exposed by the process. In many instances, lawyer associations and other groups appoint their friends and not necessarily the candidate with the best credentials. The process becomes exclusive and precludes qualified individuals who are not members of the "good old boys club". Many attorneys have shared this criticism of the appointive process. If judges are to be appointed, the process must be transparent. Any committee must be a statutory committee composed of community leaders, elected officials and independent attorneys. Independent attorneys may not be from the same county where the judge is to be chosen to insure independence and freedom from influence.This field intentionally left blank.Candidate did not respond.This field intentionally left blank.Candidate did not respond.