2 vie for post on appeals court
New Orleans — The race for a state appellate court pits challenger Sandra Cabrina Jenkins against incumbent Judge Charles R. Jones, who was first elected to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, 1st District, Division H, in 1991 and who serves as chief judge.
The court reviews matters from Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes but does not handle cases where the death penalty has been imposed.
Jenkins, 51, is making her second run for a judgeship, having lost a race for juvenile court judge in 2004.
Jenkins, a solo practitioner with 23 years of experience, is also an assistant professor at Xavier University, where she teaches courses in pre-law.
She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, a master’s degree in public administration from Southern University and her law degree from Southern University Law Center.
Jenkins said she has aspired to be a judge for years and has viewed the 4th Circuit Court as part of her career path.
She cites five years of experience as a staff attorney for the 4th Circuit as one of her qualifications and says that she is skilled in writing and research.
If elected, Jenkins said she wants to make it possible for attorneys to file appeals electronically.
She also wants to provide attorneys with training to help them feel comfortable appearing before the 4th Circuit.
Jones served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1984-1991, before being elected to the 4th Circuit. He did not return calls from The Advocate.
According to the 4th Circuit Court’s website, he is a graduate of Xavier University and received his law degree from Loyola University.
He previously worked in private practice and served for a time as assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish.