Magisterial District Judge Laura S. Bauer, from Sugar Grove, has filed her nomination petitions to be a candidate on both the Republican and Democrat ballots in the primary election for the position of magisterial district judge of Magisterial District 37-3-01. The judicial district includes Clarendon Boro, Conewango Township, Elk Township, Farmington Township, Glade Township, Pinegrove Township, Sugar Grove Boro, and Sugar Grove Township. MDJ Bauer was first elected in 1993 and is the most senior MDJ in Warren County, having served for 24 years.

MDJ Bauer considers it an honor and privilege to serve her community as a judge and believes that each year of experience has made her better at understanding both the people who come before her and how to effectively make decisions. “My goal every day is to treat each citizen that comes into the court with respect, courtesy and fairness.” “Court is always a serious matter with grave consequences. Much of my job is solving problems.” In summary cases that MDJ Bauer makes final judgment she asked, “What judgment or punishment can I give that will prevent a defendant from repeating his behavior? Would a stiff fine cause him to make changes in his life, or slow down his driving? Does a teenager with mental health issues need to visit a counselor to figure out why she makes bad choices? Would a victim feel better if he received a letter of apology? Does a student need to write an essay to focus on why he should stay in high school?” MDJ Bauer emphasizes that sometimes going the extra step to require the defendant to do something in addition to paying fines and restitution gives them tools to be a better citizen, parent, or employee.

New for MDJ Bauer in her fourth term was the opportunity to preside over Warren County’s Treatment Court when a common pleas judge is not available. Treatment Court offers a structured program for non-violent offenders to receive intense drug and alcohol treatment, weekly court appearances, and intense probation supervision as an alternative to costly incarceration.

“Being a part of a team that helps criminals become clean, sober, and contributors to our community is very meaningful.”

Outside of court, Laura Bauer is active with middle school students at the Free Methodist church in Sugar Gove. She is a member of the Warren State Hospital Board of Trustees. Prior to being a judge, she worked as a mental health counselor and English as a second language teacher. She has an MA from the University of South Florida and is a proud alumnus of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. MDJ Bauer lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Attorney David Bauer, and their four children, Gus, Julia, Josef, and Benji.