Driving It Home with Patti VasquezCook County Judges Mary Cay Marubio, Perla Tirado and Nichole Patton: WCPT 820 Candidate
Broadcasting from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patti Vasquez is joined by Mary Cay Marubio, judge for the 10th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; Perla Tirado, judge for the 14th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; and Nichole Patton, judge for the 15th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois. All three are on the November ballot for retention.
The judges explained how voters can evaluate Cook County judicial retention candidates and discussed the work judges do. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- The judges said bar associations assess judges’ temperament, legal knowledge, diligence, and integrity through applications, interviews, records, and courtroom observation.
- They recommended reviewing bar association ratings and candidate information; retention requires 60 percent yes votes.
- Marubio described first-appearance court procedures, including legal representation, health screening, risk assessment, and hearings on possible pretrial detention.
- Tirado highlighted legal aid resources for self-represented litigants and described how her experience across public defense, private practice, and legal aid informs her approach.
- Patton discussed making jury proceedings humane and explained emergency civil mental-health hearings.
- The judges characterized AI as a useful tool that requires verification and responsible use; humans remain accountable for submitted legal materials and judicial decisions.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).
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