Three candidates are running for Palm Beach County Court, Group 2, in the Aug. 20 primary election: Douglas Leifert, a criminal defense attorney; Jean Marie Middleton, assistant general counsel for the Palm Beach County School District; and Lourdes Casanova, a criminal defense and immigration attorney.

Here is why they say they are qualified to wear a black robe. Responses have been edited for length and news style.

Douglas Leifert