Beth Grossman
Overview
Office
Common Pleas Court
Cycle
2019
Status
Filed
Sitting Judge
No
Party
Ballot Information
Ballot Position
11
Button #
13
Votes
23876
Result
Not Elected
Questionnaire
What has been the general nature of your practice?
For 21 years, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. I served in the Trial, Juvenile, Law, Investigations and Narcotics Divisions. My experience included trying hundreds of criminal cases; defending the Office in employment and civil rights cases in federal court; and investigating and prosecuting municipal corruption. I also served as Assistant Chief of the Municipal Court Unit, where I was responsible for training new prosecutors. In 2007, I became the Chief of the Public Nuisance Task Force Unit, where my staff and I worked with communities throughout the city to address and abate public nuisances and quality of life issues, including drug properties and Nuisance bars. In 2015, I served for one year as Chief of Staff at the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. In 2017, I ran for District Attorney of Philadelphia. I currently handle plaintiff medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases.
Why do you consider yourself qualified to be judge?
I possess the experience, temperament, compassion and common sense that is required of members of the judiciary. I welcome the opportunity to serve with integrity and the highest standard of ethics.
What is it about our criminal justice system that inspires you?
That the criminal justice system is becoming more rehabilitative and holistic. Those who stand before the court and having been convicted of non-violent crimes should not be set up to fail, but to succeed so that he or she do not return to the system.
What about our current criminal justice system do you believe needs to be reformed?
The effectiveness of the length of probationary sentences.
As a judge, what would your sentencing philosophy be?
To take into consideration every detail of the case - the facts, the victims and background of the convicted individual. Every case is unique and sentences cannot and should not be given in a cookie-cutter fashion.
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night thinking about a case and wishing you had handled something differently? If so, please describe one situation.
My first jury trial. I wish I had given a stronger and more convincing closing argument.
Who are your role models and why?
My mother. Having lost my father at age 12, my mother raised me as a single parent. She has been my greatest champion, friend and sounding board. I also admire all people who devote themselves to public service.
What is your favorite book, movie, or tv show of all time and why did it speak to you so much?
To Kill A Mocking Bird. No matter how difficult, one must have the character and fortitude to step up and do the right thing.
Name a song that you were obsessed with as a teenager.
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix version.
What is you favorite number?
Lucky Number 13 - my number on the ballot!