Judges primarily fear for their personal safety and the security of their families due to increasing threats, violence, and harassment. Many feel immense pressure from political, media, and public attacks that undermine judicial independence. Additionally, they experience high stress from traumatic evidence, with many suffering from compassion fatigue.
Not pinning down all the evidence early, resolving possible issues affecting admissibility, and making the doggone exhibits clear and legible to the jury. Not speaking loudly enough in court for the jury to hear you and making sure your witnesses do the same. Mumblers lose. Not knowing when to sit down and shut up.
Some judges are facing personal threats, but they are still going to work every day and they're doing their job. On the other hand, this is a very difficult atmosphere, because the government, whether as plaintiff or defendant, is pushing the envelope hard on legal doctrines.
To a judge, avoid interrupting, lying, making threats, being disrespectful (e.g., "Whatever," "Huh?"), blaming others (like your lawyer or probation officer), discussing the case's merits outside proper channels, asking "what would you do," or showing excessive emotion/trying to gain sympathy (like bringing kids). Focus on being truthful, respectful, calm, and accepting responsibility for your actions.
Other judges said they dislike personal attacks, snide remarks, innuendo, or sarcasm. One judge said his or her biggest pet peeve is “the growing tendency to wax personal in responding to arguments.” Unorganized briefs.
In hearings or trials, we love you when you stipulate to what you can. Don't waste time on things that are unimportant to the issue that you want us to decide. Judges love stipulations that save time. Be intellectually honest; don't try to trick us into ruling your way.
Judges have absolute immunity from liability as long as they are performing a judicial act and there is not a clear absence of all jurisdiction.
Signs of compassion fatigue in judges and lawyers include: Elevated anxiety, such as being vigilant, jumpy or easily startled. Being constantly on guard and alert to possible threats to self, family or loved ones.
Here's what lawyers love the most about practicing law:
Dress Like You Are Going to Church
No low necklines, shorts, stiletto heels, tight jeans (actually, avoid jeans altogether), or sleeveless shirts. If you are wearing a button-up shirt, make sure it is fully buttoned and wear an undershirt or, if it is cool out, a sweater.
The show of love and support for the beloved Judge Frank Caprio, overwhelming. This proves that kindness and compassion especially in the courtroom go a long way. He was the judge of all people.
The youngest judge in U.S. history was Jasmine Twitty, appointed as an associate municipal judge in Easley, South Carolina, at age 25 in 2015, though Matthew Bradley later became a municipal judge in Colorado at 24, potentially making him the new record holder for that specific level, but Twitty remains a notable figure for breaking the national barrier for municipal courts. Specifics vary by court type (local, state, federal), but municipal roles often have lower age requirements.
Notable Case Examples. For instance, there was a case where a federal judge was successfully sued for sexual harassment – an act considered outside his official duties. Another example involved a judge who was sued for defamation after making false statements about an attorney during a press conference.
Under the current system, federal judges are protected by the US Marshals Service, which is managed by the justice department.
Under the modern doctrine of judicial review, the federal judiciary can invalidate any state or federal law or policy it considers inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution. This doctrine gives unelected federal judges awesome power.
To a judge, avoid interrupting, lying, making threats, being disrespectful (e.g., "Whatever," "Huh?"), blaming others (like your lawyer or probation officer), discussing the case's merits outside proper channels, asking "what would you do," or showing excessive emotion/trying to gain sympathy (like bringing kids). Focus on being truthful, respectful, calm, and accepting responsibility for your actions.
Always keep your calm. Answer only the questions that are being asked. Try not to steer from the argument. If you do not know the answer to a question, either ask for some time to prepare by referring to your notes or admit truthfully that you do not know the answer.
According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."
Remarkably, Spence never lost a criminal case and had not lost a civil case since 1969, achieving a record virtually unmatched in American trial law. Beyond the courtroom, Spence sought to train the next generation.