Choosing hope over despair
For the dream of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to have continued relevance, it is hope on which we must focus.
Judge Mel Dickstein
Law clerks: unsung heroes of the judicial process
Clerks are critically important to the skilled handling of the legal and administrative matters that come before a judge.
A judge’s view: the separation of powers
What several examples vividly illustrate is that the line that separates our branches of government is dynamic; it isn’t set in stone.
A judge’s view: imposing fees on the poor
We have a system of fines and fees that would surprise some and mortify others. To understand, we have only to look at what happens in our courts on a daily basis.
Is judicial demeanor important?
Some judges are better than others at exercising restraint. But the system is served best when we handle the challenges before us with quiet equanimity.
Why judges go to conferences — boondoggle or benefit?
Judges go to conferences to share information with other judges, to keep current with changes in the law, and to better understand events that occur before us in court.
‘Lease!’: Tenants’ case illustrates the narrow path of judicial neutrality
When may a judge participate in a hearing, and when does it violate a judge’s obligation to remain neutral? This is a difficult issue propelled by the conflict that can arise between adherence to rules and the desire to do justice.
Evaluating judges: a difficult but necessary process
In the final analysis, there’s no simple way to assess a judge’s performance, but it’s important to try to do so. Any effort is likely to be incomplete, but that isn’t a reason not to do the best we can.
The unseen good work of our courts
Seldom is there anyone in the courtroom except those who are directly affected by the case under consideration. There’s usually no one to see the good when it happens.
When judges disagree with the law
Our disagreements don’t affect the obedience we give to appellate and Supreme Court decisions — that’s how our system of justice works.
What do judges think of lawyers?
There are few things more pleasing to a judge than to see the work of really skilled lawyers. When they excel, it’s a pleasure to behold.
Why judges write opinions
Imagine how terrifying our system of justice would be if judges made decisions without explanation. We wouldn’t stand for such a system because we want to know that decisions are fairly reached.
How judges make decisions
A part of the wonder at being a trial court judge is that decision-making is endless, and every decision is important.
