Full Justice Exists in Heaven
Lebanon Times had the honor to have a special interview with Judge Mary Lou Keel in their office. She is a judge who spent her life among justice, laws, literature,and language serving the United States of America. She is a simple person with a smile that does not leave her face, despite her post as a judge in the Criminal Court. Before starting the interview, it is necessary to become acquainted with Judge Mary Lou Keel… who she is, and how she has stepped up in the justice profession:
Professional Background:
Criminal Trial Court Judge in Harris County since 1995.Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1990.
Trial and Appellate Prosecutor 1986-94.
Briefing attorney 1st Court of Appeals 1985-86.
Legal Career:
Criminal Trial Court Judge 20+years; prosecutor 7+years; briefing attorney 1 year; board certified in Criminal Law since 1990.
Political Experience: Elected six times in Harris County to the District Court beating a Democrat opponent in 1994, 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Education: B.A. University of Texas, 1982
J.D. University of Houston, 1985.
Personal Background:
Fifth Generation Texan. Married 27 years. Three Children; one dog.
Hobbies: Reading-Cooking-Translating for Cuban dissidents online.
The interview conducted by Julia Nader &
Marianthi Coronéou , took place at Lebanon Times offices:
From literature to justice! Did literature help you succeed in the justice career?
My mother tongue is English, but knowing languages is an important issue, especially in the domain of translating laws and the method of applying them. I studied Politics, Economics, and Social Sciences, but my specialty in the language above literature and penetrating deeply in it helped me interpret, enact, and apply laws.
As a judge in criminal court, does it mean that your connections are with – crime and criminal cases?
Yes, I am in charge of criminal cases. There are a lot of criminal cases, more than 40 cases I have a day.
We have to have lawyers to defend in their cases. We issue orders for paying fines – to discharge some people if the law allows so, and keeping others by law applications.
We, at the Criminal Court, work fast to review the criminal cases we have to administer justice one case at a time.They say that you are versed in those lectures highlighting the laws, human rights, and police rights!
That is right. I have given such lectures a number of times to highlight the laws, human rights, law rights, and police rights.
What is the crime rate in Houston?
I cannot determine for sure because I do not have the numbers for other cities, but crime and thefts have been dropping. We in Houston are better than other cities, and worse than some other cities. Crime rate in Houston did not go up, while population has gone up.
As a judge in the Criminal Court, have you ordered a death sentence?
Yes, a death sentence order was rendered. I support enforcement of the law, for a better future for Houston and the United States of America.
Are there innocents in jail? Does perfect justice exist on earth?
The perfect justice exists in heaven. Yes, there are charged innocents until proven guilty… Ancient and modern history records show people were in jail and then their innocence came up. In the end, those who apply the law are human, not gods. However, we try our best not to be unjust to anyone.
Who is more strict in justice, a female judge or a male judge?
Every judge has his/her own personality. The law is the law…. and the law does not recognize woman or man, it recognizes the way of application and respect, because the law is above all.
Private and quick questions:
What are your hobbies?
Skiing, cooking, reading.
Who is the judge at home, you or your husband?
My husband says that I am the judge at home.
What are your wishes for 2016?
Justice and law enforcement.
Did you like the interview?
Very much indeed… I thank Lebanon Times magazine, and thank my friend Detective Ben Katrib because he was the link between us.
Subsequently, the interview was concluded outside the court…. Hammer was replaced by pen, paper, and the Lebanese flag pin placed on the Judge’s lapel. Judge Mary Lou Keel, you are always welcome because Lebanon Times doors are always open for you. The magazine team wishes you continued success, and trusts that 2016 will fulfill your ambitions in succeeding in the post:
Republican for Place 2, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
