Justin Clayton puts fairness and court access at center of judicial bid
LOS ANGELES — Justin Clayton says a judge should not make an already difficult day in court worse.
The Los Angeles County deputy public defender, who supervises the office’s Inglewood branch, is running for Superior Court judge, Office 65. In an interview on “The Jackie Rae Show,” Clayton outlined priorities that include improving court access, recognizing bias and supporting treatment rather than incarceration when appropriate.
Asked what separates good judges from bad ones, Clayton pointed to temperament. People facing the loss of their freedom, housing or financial stability need a judge who listens and considers decisions carefully, he said. “The last thing that you want is to have a judge adding to that trauma,” Clayton said.
Clayton said growing up in South Central Los Angeles shaped his understanding of how people experience the legal system. His work as a public defender, he said, reinforced the importance of looking beyond allegations to understand a person’s history and circumstances.
He also acknowledged that judges must confront their own assumptions. Asked how he would prevent race and income from influencing decisions, Clayton emphasized asking questions, becoming informed and following the law, while acknowledging he did not have a complete answer.
“Your race definitely should never come into play in court,” he said.
Clayton identified practical changes he would support to reduce the burden of court appearances: remote hearings where possible, interpreters arranged in advance, better preparation and proceedings that start on time. He said courts should account for people balancing work, child care and transportation.
“The court has to make sure that everybody has the ability to be here and to participate in the process,” he said.
On mental health and substance use, Clayton said incarceration alone does not resolve underlying treatment needs. He supports providing treatment within the options available under the law.
“Any way that I can provide treatment where it’s needed, I am all for it, especially over incarceration,” he said.
Clayton also voiced support for bail reform and consideration of less restrictive alternatives to detention.
“I don’t think that someone’s income should determine whether or not they’re free or not,” he said.
In making his case to voters, Clayton cited more than 20 years of service to Los Angeles County, including work as a teacher, coach and leader of the Los Angeles County Black Public Defenders Association. He said community involvement and courtroom experience have prepared him for the bench.
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