For judge, ensuring integrity means a steadfast adherence to the law

Photos by Kendall Smith

Set aside your personal feelings and make room for the law.

That's what's Lori Horn Bustamante said is paramount to her in her role as a Maricopa County Superior Court judge.

The Grand Canyon University alumna's talk on Monday in the university's Engineering Building was part of the Public Square Series, presented by the Canyon Civic Institute and GCU Government Relations. The series brings legislative, community and nonprofit leaders to campus to engage students in civic issues, and it was a featured event for Integrity Week, presented by the Honors College and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Bustamante shared her journey from a GCU student to her career in law.

After graduating with criminal justice and history degrees from GCU in 1994, she studied law at Pepperdine University and established her own law firm, working as a contract attorney specializing in juvenile cases. She transitioned into personal injury law before being appointed as a commissioner and, later, a judge under former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

As the presiding judge for the county’s juvenile court, she said she is committed to ensuring fairness and rehabilitation for those who go through the justice system.

“It doesn’t matter what I think about a situation, it must come from the law, and that ensures integrity," she said.

She shared the story of a 17-year-old who suffered severe burns in an accident. The court offered her a settlement that Bustamante didn’t think was enough, so she fought for what she believed was just, ensuring the young woman received fair compensation.

Bustamante expressed concern about the public's misunderstanding of judicial responsibilities. It’s not just about sentencing people. The juvenile justice system also focuses on rehabilitation, she said.

The goal is to prevent minors from reoffending and later facing charges as adults. The job is to ensure consequences for criminal actions while providing essential resources for victims.

One of Bustamante’s initiatives is a program to educate juveniles on the dangers of gun violence. She said the program, launched in July, already has shown success in preventing accidental and intentional shootings among youth who often carry firearms for a false sense of security.

Following her talk, one student asked the judge how she balances work and her personal life.

Bustamante said it’s important to have a strong faith-based support system, and she stressed that your career should not come at the expense of personal relationships.

"Be there for your family at their events — it's so important," she said.

She also acknowledged the emotional toll of her profession: "It's not easy. We see terrible things on a daily basis.”

Her words resonated with students, like Riley Swedberg, co-chair of the Canyon Civic Institute who’s majoring in government with an emphasis in state and local public policy.

“Upholding moral principles through the rule of law is inspiring and sets a precedent for what integrity looks like,” Swedberg said, adding, “… She reminded me how crucial advocating for children is and how rewarding it can be.”

Canyon Civic Institute fellow Nia’jah Harper-Means said that after Bustamante told students how Arizona is experiencing a shortage of attorneys, she is reconsidering Arizona as a place she might want to practice law.

From the talk, senior Alexa McCoy learned how legal professionals might be tempted by financial incentives to compromise their integrity and, she said, “I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of rehabilitative services in the criminal justice system.”

Bustamante encouraged students to rely on prayer, like she does in her difficult work as a judge.

“Praying for justice ensures that you’re truly ruling with integrity,” she said.

She also encouraged students to lean on church and a community of believers for strength and resilience, quoting Philippians 3:13: "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."

GCU student writer Leandra Lepp can be reached at leandra.lepp@gcu.edu.

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