MONROE - Green County Circuit Court Judge James Beer announced Monday he will seek a third six-year term as circuit court judge.
Beer has been circuit court judge since he was appointed to the position by Gov. Tommy Thompson in October 1996. He was elected to a full term in April 1997 and again in 2003.
Beer is campaigning for the First Branch judge position. Thomas Vale and Timm Burns are running for the newly-created Second Branch judge position. Green County residents will vote for circuit court judge in April 2009.
Beer graduated from Monroe High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also graduated from Marquette University Law School and the National prosecutor's School at Northwestern University.
Beer practiced law in Green County for 24 years before becoming a judge. He also served as court commissioner, juvenile court commissioner and small claims court commissioner.
He is a member and past president of the Green County Bar Association, has served on the District 12 Board of Professional Responsibility Committee for the Supreme Court of Wisconsin and was former district attorney for Green County. In addition, he served as acting corporation counsel for Green County and was village attorney for Albany.
Beer views his role as judge as someone who protects victims' rights.
"We must remember that the conscious acts of criminals must be deterred to protect the public," he said.
Beer said he plans to use common sense and his understanding of the law to make fair and impartial decisions.
Beer and his wife Olga have five children.
Beer has been circuit court judge since he was appointed to the position by Gov. Tommy Thompson in October 1996. He was elected to a full term in April 1997 and again in 2003.
Beer is campaigning for the First Branch judge position. Thomas Vale and Timm Burns are running for the newly-created Second Branch judge position. Green County residents will vote for circuit court judge in April 2009.
Beer graduated from Monroe High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also graduated from Marquette University Law School and the National prosecutor's School at Northwestern University.
Beer practiced law in Green County for 24 years before becoming a judge. He also served as court commissioner, juvenile court commissioner and small claims court commissioner.
He is a member and past president of the Green County Bar Association, has served on the District 12 Board of Professional Responsibility Committee for the Supreme Court of Wisconsin and was former district attorney for Green County. In addition, he served as acting corporation counsel for Green County and was village attorney for Albany.
Beer views his role as judge as someone who protects victims' rights.
"We must remember that the conscious acts of criminals must be deterred to protect the public," he said.
Beer said he plans to use common sense and his understanding of the law to make fair and impartial decisions.
Beer and his wife Olga have five children.