Here's a good tip a friend of mine gave me.
In my county, usually their prior job titles are listed.
If you're "tough on crime" vote for the candidate who used to be a Prosecutor or District Attorney.
If you're for "fair trials" vote for the candidate who used to be a public defender.
Another way would be to say "tough on innocent victims", instead of "tough on crime". Or "weak on crime" instead of "fair trials", depending on which way you swing. ;) Maybe someone else can come up with labels that aren't as emotional.
The rationale behind this rule is that former prosecutors and district attorneys were motivated by guilty sentences (whether the person is guilty or not), while former defenders were motivated by innocent sentences (also unrelated to guilt).
Does this rule work all the time? No, does it work some of the time, I have no clue. But it's one rule I use when electing judges now.
Joseph Elwell.