Wayne Culver

Age: 57

Registered political party: Did not answer

Education: Bachelor of Arts History University of Central Florida 1995. Juris Doctor Suffolk University Law School 2000.

Where they live: Did not answer

Where you work now: Seminole County Court Judge 

Prior work experience: Wayne Culver has served as a Seminole County Court Judge since he was elected in 2020. He also worked as an assistant public defender in the 18th Judicial Circuit from 2009 to 2020, operated his own private practice from 2004 to 2009 and assistant state attorney in the 18th Judicial Circuit from 2001to 2004. 

Prior political experience: N/A

Platform: As our County Judge Wayne serves the people of Seminole and he serves the law. Ensuring that all those that come before him get equal justice under the law, that they are heard and get a fair day in court. 

Why they are running, in three sentences: As our County Judge, Wayne serves the people of Seminole and he serves the law. Ensuring that all those that come before him get equal justice under the law, that they are heard and get a fair day in court. Judge Culver upholds the law with respect for all the parties involved.

Most recent campaign finance report: $70,495

Endorsements: Did not answer

Campaign website

Fun fact about the candidate: Did not answer

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Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Culver did not respond to the questionnaire.

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? I was an assistant state attorney in Brevard County from 2001 to 2004. I had my own law practice in Seminole County from 2004 to 2009 with areas of practice in: criminal law, family law, bankruptcy law, dependency cases, civil litigation, and real estate transactions. I worked at the Office of the Public Defender from 2009 to 2021 practicing criminal law and was a supervisor for five years training new attorneys in the misdemeanor division. I have served as a county court judge from 2021 to present in both the criminal and civil divisions. I currently have over 4,000 civil cases and resolve about 1,200 cases per month for the citizens of Seminole County.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? A judge must resolve case in accordance with the law. Personal values do not play a role in ruling in a case, only experience and knowledge guide a judge’s decision.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? A judge must follow precedent and the law. Evolving societal standards are for the legislative branch of government to consider.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? If I know a party in litigation, I disclose that to each party and if they request a reassignment of the case to a different judge I comply with their request.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? A general lack of understanding of the legal system. In criminal cases I appoint the Office of the Public Defender to represent defendants. In civil cases Legal Aid is a great assistance to many litigants. In general a judge must be patient with people who represent themselves they are going through a difficult time in their lives and the legal system can be challenging to navigate on their own. A judge cannot give legal advice but can be a patient and understanding arbiter of justice.