Issues

Issues

    1. Judge Bell has spent decades working to ensure that everyone, especially marginalized communities, can meaningfully participate in the justice system. This includes people with disabilities, non-English speakers, and individuals unfamiliar with court procedures.

    2. As a judge, Jodie brings this deep commitment to accessibility to the bench, guided by the belief that true justice must account for both the law and the lived realities of those who appear in court. 

    3. Jodie also brings personal understanding to this work. She has a significant visual impairment called retinitis pigmentosa that renders her legally blind. Her visual impairment affects her daily life, giving her firsthand insight into the barriers faced by people with disabilities. That experience informs her thoughtful, creative, and practical approach to removing obstacles - so every person has a fair opportunity to be heard and justice is accessible to all.

    1. Jodie understands that fairness in the courtroom depends not only on sound legal decisions, but on ensuring that everyone before the court understands how those decisions are made. Transparency is an ethical obligation - and it is essential to building public trust in the justice system.

    2. As a judge, Jodie is committed to ensuring that every person who appears in her courtroom can expect: 

      • Clear explanations of decisions and procedures

      • Consistent and impartial application of rules and legal standards

      • A commitment to ethical conduct and professionalism

    • Due process is not only a constitutional guarantee; it is the foundation of a fair and credible justice system. 

    • As an attorney, Jodie consistently advocated for her clients’ rights and worked to ensure they received the full due process the law requires. As a judge, she carries that same commitment to the bench by listening carefully, ensuring every voice is heard, and conducting proceedings with professionalism, fairness, and compassion. 

    • Every person who enters the courtroom - from victims and defendants to family members and witnesses - deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Jodie understands that legal decisions have real human consequences, and she approaches each case with the care, respect, and integrity those consequences demand.