The Right Qualities for the Court of Appeals
Judge Sarah Capp is grounded in Arkansas Values. She understands the communities of Benton, Carroll, Madison, Johnson, Franklin, Crawford, and Washington counties that are served—not from a distance, but through real-life experience in rural and urban Arkansas alike. She brings a tireless work ethic to the bench—upholding the rule of law without bias or shortcuts
Lawyer-Legislator
As a legislator, Sarah Capp led meaningful, results driven reforms— strengthening juvenile justice and child welfare laws (SB87, SB83, SB84, SB90, SB287), increasing teacher pay to support education (HB1145), advancing the Public Safety Act of 2019 and modernizing Arkansas’s 911 emergency response system (HB1564), enacting protections for mandated reporters (HB1022) and successfully advocating for an appropriation to begin drug court in Franklin County.
State District Court Judge
Elected in 2021 to the 7th Judicial District, Judge Sarah Capp has handled over 60,000 civil and criminal cases. Through a partnership with Arkansas Tech and Arisa Health, Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, and 100 Families, she also launched a community-focused initiative that helps nonviolent offenders avoid jail by completing education, job training, and community service.
Principled Legal Leadership
Judge Sarah Capp brings over 21 years of legal experience to the bench, including private practice, serving as city attorney, and advocating for troubled youth as a juvenile public defender. She ran her own firm in Ozark and also served as a Special Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court by appointment of former Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Balancing Bench and Home
Sarah has dedicated her legal work to protecting children and supporting families. Sarah and her family are active members of First United Methodist Church in Ozark. Her husband is the head Jr. high school football coach, and their son is proud to play quarterback & linebacker for the Ozark Hillbillies. Their daughter is a cheerleader, so football season is a busy time for the Capp family.
Life and Contributions to Our Community
Results That Made Headlines
"In an era where the justice system is often criticized for its rigidity, Judge Sarah Capp is championing reform. Through her involvement in the Smart Justice District Court Initiative (SJDCI), she is shaping a future where justice is not just punitive but transformative. Judge Capp’s legal career, primarily dedicated to representing indigent defendants, has instilled in her a unique perspective—one that prioritizes rehabilitation and community support over incarceration."
"Since taking the bench in January 2021, Capp has offered defendants three ways to earn credit against their fines and court costs, when appropriate under the law.
They can enroll in adult education programs such as workforce training and GED. They can participate in counseling for mental health or substance abuse, or they can engage in community service. The two counties in which she conducts court have saved an estimated $60,000 and $74,500 in jail costs from the program."
"The Smart Justice District Court Initiative seeks to transform the criminal justice system by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior through innovative, evidence-based practices. Its mission is to enhance community safety, reduce recidivism, and promote rehabilitation by fostering collaboration among courts and communities."
“The intention of the program is to allow criminal offenders opportunities to better themselves and, in the process, avoid the financial burden caused by fines and take advantage of a fresh start,” said Capp.
Flexible class scheduling, including the opportunity to participate in distance learning when possible, is designed to assist program participants in making a life transition.