Imagine you are a state judge running for reelection and are challenged by a popular lawyer in town, who is known as a champion for the poor. The latest poll indicated that you were five percentage points behind your opponent. A local labor union with 20,000 due-paying members comes to you to offer not only large donations, but also actual union member votes, which would assure your victory. You know that the same union has filed a lawsuit in your court requesting that the current state law governing the amount of political contributions by labor unions be lifted.

• Would you accept their support?
• If yes, how would you justify your decision ethically?

Part 2 "WHAT IF" SCENARIOS:

Imagine you are a woman who is charged with shooting your boyfriend who attempted to rape and kill you because he suspected you were cheating on him. The county in which you committed the crime is extremely conservative. Your case has been assigned to a female judge who had gone public with her own story of decades of physical and emotional abuse by her ex-husband.

• Would you waive your right to a jury trial and have your case tried by the judge?
• Provide two reasons to support your position