Battista announces candidacy for Pa. Superior Court

For the MVI

Clarion County native Maria Battista announced her bid for judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Battista has over 15 years of legal experience in civil, criminal and administrative law, and is a former assistant district attorney. She is also a skilled mediator and public speaker. As a Commonwealth attorney, Battista was counsel to the Departments of Health and State, according to her campaign announcement.

For three years, Battista was a hearing examiner where she presided over hundreds of cases, including for the Department of Corrections and Probation and Parole.

Battista’s professional background includes teaching several communication and criminal justice courses, including at Clarion University. Additionally, she has been a presenter for continuing legal education courses in mediation, oral arguments before appellate courts, and health care matters.

Battista said, “Many people don’t know who the candidates are who are running for judge. But, what people do want are judges who are fair and impartial, have integrity, and keep politics out of the courtroom. I have always treated people fairly and provided them an opportunity to be heard as a hearing examiner. I would do the same if elected judge of the Superior Court.”

Battista said “The opinions issued by our appellate courts have far-reaching impact on each of our lives. The Sup erior Court, which hears appeals in criminal cases and most civil cases, including cases involving families and children, is the court of last resort in approximately 97% of cases as the PA Supreme Court hears less than 3% of these cases.”

Battista said she will bring a fresh perspective to the court, and is uniquely qualified to serve as a judge on the Superior Court with her diverse experiences as an attorney, a prosecutor, an educator, and a hearing examiner.

Battista, a graduate of Keystone High School and Clarion University, obtained her law degree from Ohio Northern University, and has a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a master’s degree from Westminster College. Battista served as a member of the Safe and Effective Prescribing Practices Task Force with the Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Battista is a past president of the Clarion County Bar Association. Beyond her profession, Battista enjoys bicycling the trails around Clarion and Venango Counties, kayaking on Kahle Lake or the Clarion River, hiking, playing the piano and spending time with her two sons.

Battista