Judicial Candidates Debate: Judge Craig McCarthy vs. Stephen Brown

The recent League of Women Voters forum in Winter Park saw a heated debate between Circuit Court Judge Craig McCarthy and his challenger, Stephen Brown. This debate marks Judge McCarthy’s first significant test since his appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Candidates:

• Craig McCarthy: Appointed as a Circuit Court Judge after serving as a General Magistrate. He is running for re-election in Group 43 of the Ninth Circuit.
• Stephen Brown: A seasoned attorney with extensive jury trial experience, running against McCarthy in the upcoming August 20 ballot.

Key Points of Debate:

1. Court Schedule and Backlog:
   • Brown’s Critique: Brown criticized McCarthy for not holding court on Fridays, suggesting it contributes to a backlog of cases. He emphasized his own extensive trial experience, having tried over 70 cases before a jury.
   • McCarthy’s Defense: McCarthy countered by explaining that Fridays are reserved for writing, emergency motions, and other critical tasks. He highlighted his commitment to working seven days a week and his dedication to the judicial process.
2. Qualifications and Experience:
   • Brown’s Argument: Brown positioned himself as the more qualified candidate, citing his criminal law experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. He stressed the importance of this experience for the community.
   • McCarthy’s Response: McCarthy emphasized his legal career, including his work in domestic violence cases and his board certification in juvenile law. He shared his personal journey, from being the first in his family to attend college to graduating from West Point, and his commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
3. Federalist Society Membership:
   • During the Q&A session, McCarthy was the only candidate to address his past and brief recent membership in the Federalist Society, a conservative and libertarian legal organization. He explained his involvement during law school and his decision to join various civic organizations after his appointment to the bench.

Stances on Specific Issues:

1. Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law:
   • McCarthy: McCarthy has a strong background in domestic violence cases and juvenile law. He has built his career around advocating for vulnerable families and children, ensuring they have access to resources and protection¹.
   • Brown: While Brown did not specifically address domestic violence and juvenile law during the debate, his extensive experience in criminal law as both a prosecutor and defense attorney suggests a broad understanding of legal issues impacting families and children².
2. Judicial Philosophy and Community Values:
   • McCarthy: McCarthy emphasized his commitment to fairness and respect in the courtroom, ensuring every voice is heard. He highlighted his non-political background and dedication to serving the community¹.
   • Brown: Brown argued that judges in Central Florida should reflect the community’s values. He positioned himself as a candidate with deep ties to the community and a strong understanding of its needs².
3. Court Efficiency and Accessibility:
   • McCarthy: McCarthy defended his practice of reserving Fridays for writing and emergency motions, arguing that it helps manage the court’s workload effectively. He stressed his dedication to working seven days a week to ensure timely justice².
   • Brown: Brown criticized this approach, arguing that not holding court on Fridays contributes to case backlogs. He advocated for a more traditional five-day court schedule to improve efficiency and accessibility².

Conclusion:

The debate highlighted the contrasting backgrounds and philosophies of the two candidates. Brown’s focus on courtroom experience and community values stood against McCarthy’s defense of his judicial practices and dedication to the underdog. As the election approaches, voters in Orange and Osceola counties will have to weigh these factors carefully.