Cameron Vision For Tomorrow Better

Judge Mathew is a leader in reforming how the justice system treats vulnerable populations. She moves beyond simple punishment to focus on the root causes of behavior.

• Leading the JIMH Court: She founded and presides over the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court, a specialty program designed to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate youth with mental health struggles.
• Reducing Recidivism: Working with probation officers and mental health professionals to create treatment plans that prevent young offenders from returning to the system.
• Protecting the Vulnerable: Overseeing civil mental health commitments to ensure individuals in crisis receive the necessary care and protection under the law.

Beyond criminal law, Judge Mathew’s court handles sensitive matters that impact the personal lives and legacies of Fort Bend residents.

• Overseeing Probate Matters: Validating wills and overseeing the administration of estates to ensure a deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
• Managing Guardianships: Appointing and supervising guardians for incapacitated adults and minors who cannot care for themselves, ensuring they are not exploited.
• Ensuring Fairness in Property: Presiding over eminent domain cases where the government seeks to acquire private property for public use, ensuring landowners receive just compensation.

Judge Mathew believes the courthouse belongs to the people. She actively works to demystify the legal process and make the judicial system accessible to all residents.

• Engaging the Community: Hosting the "Chai & Chat" series, which invites residents to meet officials and ask questions in an informal setting.
• Mentoring the Next Generation: Through her "Kitchen to the Courthouse" initiative and internship programs, she opens doors for high school and college students to explore legal careers.
• Educating the Public: Regularly speaking at schools, churches, and civic organizations to explain how the court system works and how it serves the community.

In addition to hearing cases, Judge Mathew plays a key role in the efficient operation of the county’s legal system.

• Managing Court Dockets: Ensuring cases move through the system efficiently to prevent backlogs and ensure timely justice for victims and defendants.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Overseeing the collection of judgments and ensuring court resources are utilized effectively to serve the taxpayers.
• Leading Judicial Colleagues: Having been elected by her peers as the Administrative Judge of the County Courts, she served in this role during the COVID pandemic, helping to guide the judiciary through an unprecedented public health crisis. She coordinated operations across multiple courts, implemented emergency procedures, and worked collaboratively with judges, court staff, and county leadership to ensure continuity of access to justice while improving county wide judicial efficiency.