Judge Rhonda's Blog

Wood a candidate for Court of Appeals

Circuit Judge Rhonda Wood has announced that she will be a candidate for the Arkansas Court of Appeals in District 2, Position 1.

The Court of Appeals decides cases that impact all Arkansans, she reminded voters. These decisions are binding on Arkansas’s lower courts. “My history of judicial restraint, fairness, strong values, and common sense equip me to make these important decisions,” she said. “I believe in consistency in the justice system and value the separation of powers, with judges upholding the law and leaving it to the legislature to write laws.”

The circuit judge in the 20th Judicial District said she has worked diligently for four years as circuit judge and is known for being practical. Since taking the bench, she has started numerous new community programs, obtained new grants, increased revenue, decreased juvenile recidivism and improved technology. Many of the improvements she initiated are being adopted by courts around the state.

“I have found my time as circuit judge rewarding, so this decision is bittersweet,” she said. “But I believe I can best serve our state on the court of appeals. “My variety of experiences uniquely qualify me for this position. I was already a wife and mother when I completed college and went to law school. Since then, I have become a lawyer, a business owner, a law school administrator, a professor and now a judge.” The Court of Appeals District encompasses 18 counties through central and northern Arkansas. “I am thankful for the citizens in Faulkner, Van Buren and Searcy counties who have been there for me during my judicial service.” she said. “I ask them to support my efforts to take our successes to a state-wide level. “To the citizens of Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Randolph, Lawrence, Sharp, Izard, Stone, Newton, Pope, Conway, Cleburne, Independence and Jackson counties, I will be coming to your community soon to meet you so you can judge me for yourself.”

During her visit Tuesday morning, Feb. 23, to Boone County, she urged residents to reach out to friends in Faulkner, Van Buren and Searcy counties — lawyers, business owners, school teachers and law enforcement — and ask them about her reputation as judge. “I look forward to visiting in your community during this three-month race,” she concluded.”

Judge Wood received her B.A. from Hendrix, magna cum laude, and her juris doctorate from the Bowen School of Law, with highest honors, as well as receiving the top score on the Arkansas Bar Exam. She had a private law practice and was assistant dean at the Bowen School of Law. She was selected as one of Arkansas Business’ Forty Under Forty as well as the Arkansas Business and Professional Women’s Elected Official of the Year.

Judge Wood is married to Dr. Michael Wood. They have four children.

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Rhonda Wood