Editor's note: The Advocate is profiling candidates in the Nov. 6 election. This profile compiled by the League of Women Voters features candidates for Court of Criminal Appeals - Place 8.

• Name: Elsa Alcala

• Political Party: Republican

• Website: judgeelsaalcala.com

• Email: judgeelsa@att.net

What is your education and experience?

Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&I University and Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. Assistant District Attorney at Harris County District Attorneys Office for 9 years; District Court Judge in Harris County for 3 1/2 years; Appellate Court Justice at First Court of Appeals for 9 years; Judge on Court of Criminal Appeals for 1 year.

How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

I honor my oath to impartially and fairly follow the law. I have not taken any contributions from any party in any case.

The Texas criminal justice system has undergone a number of reforms in indigent criminal defense. How is the system working now and what improvements are still needed?

The criminal justice system continues to improve as light is shed on it. Improvements in various aspects is still needed. I, however, must refrain from specifically commenting on aspects of the law that might come before me in the future in order to maintain my impartiality.

What are the most important obligations of a Court of Criminal Appeals judge and why?

A Court of Criminal Appeals judge must apply the law as it is written. A judge must be impartial and even-handed so that everyone is treated the same.

• Name: William Bryan Strange III

• Political Party: Libertarian

• Email: wbstrangeiii@gmail.com

What is your education and experience?

BA in political science from SMU; Juris Doctor from George Washington University and Science Masters from MIT. I have over 33 years experience as an attorney and business manager. This includes a wide range of corporate and business matters that involve complex analysis of law and facts. As a U. S. Navy officer I served in the Vietnam War.

How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

I believe the public expects a judge to have no part of deciding a matter if lawyers or parties have made contributions to the election of that judge. Thus, I have elected to accept no contributions from anyone, and I will not seek a second term.

The Texas criminal justice system has undergone a number of reforms in indigent criminal defense. How is the system working now and what improvements are still needed?

Indigents will continue to be at an unfair advantage so long as the legal system is strained with heavy case loads. We should reform the drug laws with an emphasis on rehabilitation and diversion of violators into social service programs.

What are the most important obligations of a Court of Criminal Appeals judge and why?

A judge should decide cases rapidly and in strict accord with precedent and existing laws (including the Texas Constitution). A judge must not impose personal values or prejudices and must assure that defense counsel for the accused is afforded maximum latitude to represent a client.