Tim Linkous
Tim Linkous was a 2016 candidate for the West Virginia Judicial District 17 in West Virginia.[1] Linkous lost in the general election on May 10, 2016.
Biography
Linkous earned bachelor's degrees in secondary education and political science from Denison University. He later received his J.D. from West Virginia University. Linkous is a private practice attorney.[2]
Campaign themes
2016
Linkous' campaign website listed the following themes for 2016:
| “ |
The legal justice system in West Virginia impacts the lives of many people in profound ways each and every day. At any point in time, any of us could find ourselves before a Circuit Court Judge in West Virginia for any number of reasons, and we need the best, most qualified, and dedicated people serving in that capacity to ensure a just outcome. Moreover, the decisions of a Circuit Court Judge deeply affect the lives of individuals as well as our community. Therefore, we need Circuit Court Judges who are understanding, respectful, trusted, and committed to justice. I will bring all of that and more to the position. Circuit Court Judges preside over matters that, many times, serve as the most crucial juncture in a person’s life. For instance, Circuit Court Judges often decide where people sleep at night – whether they sleep in their bed at home or in a bed in jail or prison – whether children sleep at home with their parents or in foster care as a result of abuse and neglect. Matters like these are critically important to everyone involved, and they require sensitive, serious, compassionate, and thoughtful decision making from a Circuit Court Judge. I am absolutely committed to making the just decision, even if it is the hardest decision. Our community expects it, our community deserves it, and I will deliver it. Our society entrusts the responsibility of upholding the law to Circuit Court Judges. The West Virginia Legislature enacts laws governing the conduct of people and setting the consequences for failing to abide by those laws. Circuit Court Judges remain responsible for upholding and applying those laws justly. I take that responsibility very seriously, and, if the citizens of Monongalia County entrust me with that responsibility, they can count on the law being upheld and justice being administered. The importance of judicial temperament cannot be overlooked. The office of Circuit Court Judge is an important one, and it carries with it an essential dignity. No person is above the office, and the office is always greater than the person filling it. Circuit Court Judges must always conduct themselves in a manner that treats all persons who come before them with respect, and they should carry themselves in the dignified manner the office demands. As citizens of Monongalia County, we want a respected and respectful judiciary, and we are entitled to it. If the citizens of this County entrust me with this office, I can assure you that there will be a judicial temperament that brings the decorum to the office that it deserves. Finally, the office of Circuit Court Judge demands that the Court works harder than the attorneys and litigants that come before the Court. Notice that I didn’t say “just as hard”. It is my firm belief and philosophy that the Circuit Court Judge should always endeavor to be the hardest working person in the entire process. A Circuit Court Judge should never be unprepared or ill-prepared for the matters coming before him, and anything shy of complete preparedness is unacceptable. The Court presides over important matters dealing with the rights and responsibilities of our citizens, and that must be taken with all seriousness and solemnity. A Circuit Court Judge cannot do that if adequate preparation is not undertaken. A firm work ethic has defined everything in my life – from my family, to my community, and to my profession. If the citizens of Monongalia County entrust me with this office, that work ethic will be more than evident. [3] |
” |
| —Tim Linous (2016), [4] | ||
Elections
2016
West Virginia held general elections for county judicial offices on May 10, 2016. This date coincided with partisan primaries for statewide and federal offices. The 2016 election was the first nonpartisan election for the state's judicial seats since statehood in 1863. Learn more about this change here. Candidates interested in filing for the election submitted paperwork by January 30, 2016. Incumbent Susan Tucker defeated Tim Linkous and Gail Voorhees Lipscomb in the general election for the West Virginia Judicial Circuit 17, Division 1 seat.[1]
| West Virginia Judicial Circuit 17, Division 1 General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Susan Tucker Incumbent |
35.45% | 7,940 |
| Tim Linkous | 33.64% | 7,534 |
| Gail Voorhees Lipscomb | 30.68% | 6,872 |
| Write-in votes | 0.22% | 50 |
| Total Votes | 22,396 | |
| Source: West Virginia Secretary of State, "Election Results Center," accessed May 10, 2016 | ||
Selection method
- See also: Nonpartisan election of judges
The judges of the West Virginia Circuit Court are elected in nonpartisan elections to serve eight-year terms. Judges must run for re-election when their terms expire.[5]
The chief judge of each circuit court is selected by peer vote. Term lengths vary by circuit.[5]
Qualifications
To serve on a West Virginia Circuit Court, a judge must be:[5]
- a citizen of West Virginia for at least five years;
- a resident of his or her circuit;
- at least 30 years old; and
- practiced in law for at least five years.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 West Virginia Secretary of State, "Candidate Search," accessed February 16, 2016
- ↑ Linkous for Circuit Court Judge, "About Time," accessed April 19, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Linkous for Circuit Court Judge, "Why I'm Running," accessed April 19, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: West Virginia," archived October 3, 2014
Federal courts:
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia
State courts:
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia • West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals • West Virginia Circuit Courts • West Virginia Family Courts • West Virginia Magistrate Courts • West Virginia Municipal Courts
State resources:
Courts in West Virginia • West Virginia judicial elections • Judicial selection in West Virginia
