Judge Karen Baker

Introduction

At a public forum in March, someone asked me about a phrase in my literature referencing values.   There was a concern that my stating that I valued family first was a “catch phrase” hinting at Republican ties, prohibited in a nonpartisan race.  I explained that no political party has a claim to the commitment by the people of this State to their families. Whether we are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, or have no political affiliation at all, we have relationships that we value and family relationships are a priority. In more private discussions following the open forum, people encouraged me to share my thoughts on a larger scale.  So we have added this section to the website.

Established Work-Place Flexibility

Balancing work and family is hard. In May 2007, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidelines to help employers avoid illegal discrimination based upon the family status of a worker.  They gathered information and testimony explaining what most of us already know – programs that help workers meet the demands of family and work are cost-effective, good for families, businesses, and the public health.  Flexibility in the workplace is one of those programs.

The work we do here at the appellate court is well suited for flexible schedules. Ethical rules restrict our communication with individuals outside the court.  Contact with parties or counsel regarding the cases are strictly prohibited so office hours are for the court’s convenience rather than the public. Researching, analyzing, and writing are the focus which, for the most part, can be done anytime and anywhere.  It was not a difficult decision for me to structure my chamber’s policies to allow for the flexibility we all could use to find that balance.  This is my tenth year at the Court of Appeals, and I started those policies from day one – long before the federal government issued guidelines.

While the guidelines focus on caregivers, I believe that our obligations to family run much deeper.  Through the years, the situations of my staff have varied – women and men, some married and some not, some with children and some with none, some caring for aging relatives, some caring for children with extended illness, and one caring for a child with a disability – whether the individual was a caregiver or not, balancing work and obligations to the people in their lives has been a priority.

The people in my office work together to help one another and to make sure that each case gets the attention and thoughtful consideration it deserves.  I have personally observed the mindfulness that the attorneys in my office have when working on cases.  They are aware that the cases and decisions affect people of this State in profound ways – not just for the specific individuals in the case, but also for those who come after who will be affected by the precedent that the decision sets. I believe that this dedication and thoughtful consideration is largely responsible for the fact that a higher court has reversed only two of over five hundred opinions that I’ve written.  I am deeply grateful that the people I work with share the same level of concern that I have for the citizens of this State and for their own families.  While the decision is solely my responsibility, you can be assured that everyone in my office is respectful of the people whose lives and relationships are affected by my decisions.

Homeschooling

For those of you with children in your life, you know that the needs of any one child will vary from time to time.  There have been times when the needs of my children have been better served through homeschooling rather than attending public school.  All three of my children currently attend public school in Clinton.  I am proud of the school, its leadership, and its teachers who have struggled to make the best learning environment for the students while meeting the demands and shouldering the burdens of consolidation.  My decision to periodically educate at home is directly related to my children’s needs, not in any way a comment on the school district.  As parents, my husband and I are responsible for our children’s education.  For us, education of a child includes more than academic achievement.  It also includes spiritual, emotional, and social development as well.  Whether a child is educated in a school or home setting, as parents, we are still accountable for their progress.  I am amazed at the parents and guardians of children all across Arkansas who devote their time and energy to their children’s well-being.  Thank you all for your commitment and dedication to our next generation of citizens.

Rural Living

I have been asked if I would move to Little Rock after being elected to the Supreme Court.  No, I would not.  My family and I have lived in rural Arkansas all our lives.  Mine is a fifth-generation farm family, and my husband and I raise cattle now.  I cannot imagine living in a place where we cannot go hunting out on our land, or where my children’s chores would not include feeding the animals or caring for the land entrusted to them. More importantly, I believe living in a community that reflects the experience of a majority of Arkansans is a daily reminder of the challenges that most of us living in this State are called upon to meet.  I certainly understand the convenience for the judges who move to Little Rock while serving on the Supreme Court; however, it would not be my choice.