Dallas Morning News Endorses Judge Smith

The Dallas Morning News Endorses Judge Ben Smith for the Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6.

Experience. Judicial Restraint. A Commitment to the Rule of Law.

Judge Ben Smith is honored to announce that The Dallas Morning News has endorsed his candidacy for Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6.

In its endorsement, the newspaper recognized Judge Smith’s broad judicial experience and his commitment to interpreting the law as written.

“We recommend Smith for 5th Court of Appeals, Place 6.” The editorial board explained its decision, stating that it favored Judge Smith:

“…because of his philosophy on interpreting the law and his broader judicial experience.”

The editorial also highlighted Judge Smith’s commitment to judicial restraint, noting that he believes judges should follow a strict reading of statutes and avoid broad interpretations, leading to more predictable outcomes.

Experience That Matters

For more than 14 years, Judge Smith has served on the bench of Collin County’s 380th District Court, where he has presided over civil, criminal, and family law matters—the three areas of law reviewed by the Fifth Court of Appeals.

That breadth of experience distinguishes Judge Smith in this race and provides an important foundation for the decisions appellate justices are called upon to make.

A Commitment to the Rule of Law

Judge Smith believes the role of a judge is not to make law, advance a political agenda, or substitute personal preferences for the judgment of the Legislature. Rather, judges must faithfully interpret and apply the law as written.

Judicial restraint promotes consistency, predictability, and public confidence in our courts. Texans deserve judges who understand that their responsibility is to uphold the law—not rewrite it.(https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/we-recommend/article/5th-court-appeals-place-6-purdy-smith-22470270.php)

An Important Endorsement

The endorsement from The Dallas Morning News reinforces the importance of judicial experience and a principled approach to interpreting the law.

Judge Smith is grateful for the editorial board’s thoughtful consideration and recognition of the experience and judicial philosophy he would bring to the Fifth Court of Appeals.

On November 3, vote for proven experience, judicial restraint, and the Rule of Law. Vote Judge Ben Smith for the Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6.

Read the full endorsement in The Dallas Morning News.