Anthony DeLuca Runs for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Anthony DeLuca

Court: Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Allegheny County Bar Association Rating: Highly Recommended

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Anthony DeLuca: College – Boston College, 1994. Law School – University of Pittsburgh School of Law, magna cum laude, 1997.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

DeLuca: I was an integral member of the small team that developed Mental Health Court in Allegheny County. Through developing the program at its early stages and then working with the cases, I developed a more collaborative view of the criminal justice process. By working diligently to understand the needs of defendants, victims, and communities, we were able to fashion case results that addressed, as best as possible, the varying concerns and needs of those parties. By looking beyond the sentencing matrix, we were often able to obtain results that satisfied the victims, treated the offender, and protected society by reducing recidivism. As a result, as a judge, I would be interested in serving as a judge on the Mental Health Court and other similar courts and looking elsewhere in the justice system to develop other areas in which a more collaborative approach would be useful. This experience will serve me well as a judge.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

DeLuca: I am highly recommended by the Allegheny Bar Association. I have successfully practiced in every division of the Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, I am a union labor lawyer. Currently, it is my understanding that not one of the 43 judges on the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County is a former union labor lawyer. I believe having all backgrounds on the bench is useful and I would like to bring my experience as a union labor lawyer to the bench. Finally, I have been involved in criminal justice reform as a member of the team that started Mental Health Court. I am best positioned to change existing programs and create new ones to aid those with mental health and addiction struggles in our courts.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system?

DeLuca: I believe that all cases should be heard expeditiously. As a result, I will view my case calendar regularly to make sure cases are not lingering.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

DeLuca: The best way to ensure equal justice for all is to meet individuals charged with crimes at the front door of the criminal justice system with programs to assist those in need who do not present a clear and present threat to their communities. In such a way, we can make sure that all people are given the same opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation, not just people in wealthy communities who have greater resources to access such care.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

DeLuca: DeLuca4Judge.com.

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