Restorative Justice demands that we recognize our courts, like many of our American institutions, have been plagued by systemic racism, bias and prejudice. This has resulted in unjust treatment for Blacks, Asians, Latinx, women, members of the Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities, religious minorities, and too many other marginalized groups.
Restorative justice acknowledges this past and seeks to provide alternatives to the traditional court response of incarceration.
As a judge who is Jewish and gay, I believe in creating Restorative Justice programs and in rebuilding our court system so everyone is treated fairly.
For the past five years, my primary caseload has been domestic violence, and I have observed firsthand the traumatic impact intimate partner violence has on the survivors, the abusers, their children and their extended families.
Treatment is critical to helping restore not only those impacted by domestic violence but also our community. That’s why I helped create the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), a collaborative community program we’re doing in Seattle Municipal Court. DVIP is an alternative to jail, and it focuses on individualized treatment for those who commit violence against their intimate partners.
As I wrote last October in The Seattle Times, “DVIP offers individuals the tools and support they need to have healthy relationships so they can leave the court system. This is what most victims want.”
Chosen by my colleagues to serve as Presiding Judge of Seattle Municipal Court, I am running for re-election so I can continue working to transform our criminal legal system into one that is truly fair and just for all.
– Presiding Judge Adam Eisenberg
"Experience matters. Judge Eisenberg has a proven track record of making tough decisions with compassion. I have confidence in Judge Eisenberg’s ability to follow the law while working to bring about the necessary changes that will promote and foster true justice for every individual. I am proud to support Adam Eisenberg for re-election."
"Seattle Municipal Court is one of the most diverse benches in the country. Out of seven judges, four are former public defenders, four are women, three are African-American, and one is Lebanese-American. As a Jewish and Gay man who has been both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Judge Eisenberg brings a much-needed perspective to the court."
"Judge Adam Eisenberg brings a breadth of legal experience to the bench, visionary reform efforts including the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, and a proven commitment to safety for all. Elected Presiding Judge by his colleagues, we need his continued leadership on the Court."
"As a longtime public defender, I know we are fortunate to have Judge Eisenberg serving on the bench. He consistently treats all who come before him with respect, compassion, and understanding and brings an insightful knowledge of the law and a demonstrated commitment to justice. He has my full support."
"Having practiced for 5 years in Seattle Municipal Court, I appeared in front of Judge Eisenberg many times and witnessed him treat all people with respect and fairness. His courtroom is run with respect for the law, defendant’s rights and victims rights. As a Seattle resident, I’m proud to have him as a judge in my city."
"Friends, I have known Adam Eisenberg since law school. He is brilliant, caring, compassionate, and has the experience, both lived and learned, that make him an exceptional jurist. The work of being a judge is not easy. The choices we are confronted with are rarely simple or binary. We think in nuanced terms and often live in a world colored by shades of gray. Adam is not flashy, loud or one to pat himself on the back. He has quietly, humbly, and tirelessly worked to improve our system of justice by helping to create programs that offer alternatives to incarceration. Overseeing calendars that focus on the needs of the people before him while also ensuring accountability. Educating students through his courses in humanities, and through his work as an author. He helped develop a training curriculum for attorneys interested in seeking the bench. I have been fortunate to know him as a friend and colleague for over 30 years. He has my whole hearted endorsement as he seeks to retain the seat he has held for many years. Please join me in endorsing this wonderful judge."
"Since 2015_, Judge Adam Eisenberg has taken a leadership role in helping young people experience restorative justice in the Seattle Youth Traffic Court. This peer court is served by Garfield High School students who are the judges, attorneys, court staff and jury. The Court provides alternate ways for young drivers getting tickets to become better drivers and make up for the harm caused. As Co-Director with Judge Eisenberg, I enthusiastically endorse him and call out his commitment to young people."
"Of the dozens of judges at all levels I have appeared before as a trial attorney, Judge Eisenberg is one of the most thoughtful, kind, and diligent. I enthusiastically endorse him for Seattle Municipal Court."
"Judge Eisenberg has shown leadership on and off the bench. I enthusiastically support re-election of Judge Adam Eisenberg to the Seattle Municipal Court."
"Hello Seattle neighbors -- I know it's often confusing when we are asked to vote on Judges. My friend Adam Eisenberg is running for re-election to the Seattle Municipal Court. He's a hard working, compassionate, and experienced judge who cares about improving the justice system for everyone. Please consider offering your vote for his re-election this year."
"Adam Eisenberg deserves your vote. Throughout the 20 years that I have practiced law, I have appeared before dozens of judges. To me, an excellent judge is one who treats everyone in the room, from the court clerks and bailiffs to jurors, defense counsel, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and most particularly, defendants, with dignity, respect, compassion, and equity. Excellent judges set the tone for the court room and the court room has the ability to impact the tone of our communities. What happens there matters. Adam Eisenberg possesses all of the qualities I most admire in judges. He is a true leader. He has also been innovative, open, collaborative and concerned over all of the people who play a role in the court system. I admire and respect him and I’m very proud to call him a mentor and colleague."
"Judge Eisenberg is an excellent judge. His decisions are prudent and well-considered. He ensures that our community is safe while protecting the constitutional rights of the people who come before him. Judge Eisenberg puts the work in to make Seattle Municipal Court function as it should. I believe he is one of the best judges in all of Washington. Seattle is lucky to have him."
