Please check back periodically as I plan to use this page to address Frequently Asked Questions that come up during the campaign.
Please keep in mind, however, that Judicial Candidates are more restricted than politicians running for a legislative or an executive position. A judicial candidate should not answer specific questions about their stance or position on issues that could come up in a case. The reason is that it could be grounds to disqualify that Judge in the future.
You can read all about these restrictions in an article from former Missouri Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff that is posted on the Missouri Bar website:
Promises, Promises ... What Should a Judicial Candidate Say?
However, if you want the abridged version, Judges are expected to apply the law to the facts impartially and without bias or prejudice. It comes down to these questions posed by Justice Wolff:
When an issue comes before a court, do you want your case to be decided by someone who already has announced his or her position on the matter during a campaign? Or would you rather have the opportunity to present the facts, issues and law as you see them before the judge makes a decision?
The answer is obvious. For that reason, if I do not answer your question in the manner I would if you were consulting me as your attorney or your friend, I apologize in advance. People who know me are well aware that I am neither indecisive nor lack convictions. I would rather be able to serve the citizens of Jasper County in any matter that comes before me, however, rather than pass a case to another judge due to any appearance of injustice or inequity.
Easy. You can e-mail me at joe@hensleyforjudge.com.
You can also call my Joplin office at 417-625-1215. Please keep in mind I have a fairly rigid schedule and I am in court often, so I may not be able to return your call immediately.
Sure. Please call or e-mail us. We would love to have you.