Philadelphia Judge the Judges Candidate Forum 2025
A Non-Partisan Judicial Candidate ForumJudging the Judges Candidate Forum
2025 Candidate Forum
Join the Elevation Project, Community Hero PA, Philadelphia Participatory Defense, NAACP Philadelphia Kaden’s Foundation, Womxn Beyond Borders, Eddie’s House, Kings Saving Kings and Queens for a non-partisan judicial candidate forum for the Philadelphia local primary races.
Philadelphia’s courts are on the front lines of justice. The judges elected in 2025 will shape legal outcomes for years to come. The Primary Election often determines the final outcome in many judicial races. Your informed vote in the primary is critical.
We are proud to collaborate and provide this platform for civic engagement, ensuring voters have direct access to the candidates who seek to interpret and apply the law in our city.
Run of Show
6:05 – 6:10 Welcome & Intro of Organizations
6:10 – 6:15 Explanation of Courts – Bridget Warlea from NAACP
6:15 – 6:25 Candidate Introductions (1 minute per candidate)
6:25 – 7:30 Panel Questions (2 min per question)
7:30 – 7:45 Speed Round (Quick-Fire Questions)
7:45 – 7:55 Closing Statements (1 minute per candidate)
7:55 – 8:00 Thank you; Acknowledge Funders: LaTrista Webb, The Elevation Project
Brought to You By
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM EST
Location: 5901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Directions: Click Here
Registration
Why This Forum Matters
Judges make critical decisions that impact our daily lives, our families, and our communities – from criminal justice and housing to education and civil rights. Yet, judicial elections are often overlooked. Informed voters are essential for ensuring a fair, equitable, and accountable justice system.
This forum provides a crucial opportunity for Philadelphia voters to:
- Hear directly from candidates seeking positions on Philadelphia’s Courts (e.g., Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court – Adjust based on specific races targeted).
- Understand their qualifications, judicial philosophies, and perspectives on key issues facing our city.
- Ask informed questions and engage with those seeking to serve on the bench.
- Make empowered decisions when casting your ballot in the vital 2025 Primary Election.
Forum Focus Areas
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
Judges on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas handle a variety of significant legal matters including civil and criminal cases. They preside over felony trials, major civil disputes, and family law cases such as divorce and custody. Additionally, these judges oversee matters involving orphans’ court issues like wills, estates, and adoptions. Their role is crucial in maintaining justice and upholding the law within the city’s judicial system.
Philadelphia Municipal Court
The Philadelphia Municipal Court deals primarily with criminal offenses and preliminary hearings for felony charges. It also handles civil cases with claims up to $12,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations. This court serves as the initial forum for most adult criminal cases in Philadelphia, where judges determine if there is enough evidence for more serious felony cases to be transferred to the Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, Municipal Court judges may issue search and arrest warrants.
Who Should Attend
Community members, advocates, students, and anyone interested in the future of justice in our city.
What You’ll Take Away
- Hear directly from candidates seeking positions on Philadelphia’s Courts (Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court).
- Understand their qualifications, judicial philosophies, and perspectives on key issues facing our city.
- Ask informed questions and engage with those seeking to serve on the bench.
- Make empowered decisions when casting your ballot in the vital 2025 Primary Election.