Stout launches bid for judge's seat

Listen. Treat people fairly. Apply the evidence and the facts to the case and the outcome.

Maybe it's simple, but it's how Richard Stout, deputy county counsel for Sutter County, would approach being a Sutter County Superior Court judge.

"My experience as a lawyer, I believe I've got a fair-minded outlook," said Stout, 42. "I believe, basically, I'd be a good judge."

As one of seven announced candidates for the bench seat being held by retiring Judge H. Ted Hansen, Stout said he believes judges should have a higher standard of ethics than some other positions and be held to it.

Because of his role as a legal adviser to the county, Stout said, he would have to recuse himself from hearing cases involving the county for three years, if he wins the seat.

"And I would refuse to take any case where I wouldn't be a neutral observer," he said.

After a few years working in the San Diego area, including a stint as a radio show engineer, Stout received his law degree from the University of San Diego's law school in 1996, the same year he passed the bar.

Stout then spent time working in the district attorney's offices in Butte and Riverside counties, where both times he specialized in family law issues.

Supporter Barbara LeVake, a former Sutter County supervisor, said Stout's past experience is critical for why he would be a good judge.

"He has been an advocate for children, and that's a great thing," said LeVake, who is hos ing a campaign kickoff event at her home for Stout. "He's a dedicated man with a great deal of integrity."

When his wife found a job in Sacramento and he became Sutter County's deputy counsel, Stout said, moving to the Yuba-Sutter area was an easy choice.

"We've always liked the small-town feel," he said.

In his role with the county, Stout has most enjoyed appellate work, where he can dig into the substance of a case and, once again, apply facts and evidence, he said.

As a judge, a suggestion of his demeanor comes from the legal figure he admires most, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

"I like the way he sits back and let the parties bring the evidence to him," Stout said. "He's not inserting himself into the case. The judge is supposed to be the neutral party."

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.