You’ve probably heard of the “black robe disease” in which judges lose their perspective once they get on the bench. And what about that poker face? Does it make them irritable when lawyers try to sway their opinions? Well, the short answer is no. It’s a classic case of “black robe disease” in which judges get suckered into waiving their rights by a lawyer. Fortunately, there are ways to fight back and avoid becoming the next victim.
Judges have a “black robe disease”
There is no cure for the black robe syndrome, and removing one judge from office is likely to produce another with the same symptoms. The only cure is public awareness. Perhaps the only hope for judges who suffer from this disease is to raise awareness of it in the general public, which would then help them better understand lawyers. That may be difficult to do, however. There are no cures for black robe syndrome, but raising public awareness about it can make judges more empathetic.
There are no cures for the disease, and scientists are still working on a treatment. In the meantime, the symptoms include the inability to grant PR bonds, the inability to recognize outside courtroom dynamics, and forgetting to comply with the rules of the disciplinary procedure. Unfortunately, many lawyers fail to recognize the nuances of the rules of disciplinary procedure for judges. While many Judges take their oath seriously, some may fall short. The following are some symptoms of the “black robe disease” that lawyers often face.
They lose perspective after they’re on the bench
Judges, like any other person, can lose perspective after they get on the bench. That’s why some exhibit what’s called “black robe disease” – courthouse jargon for abuse of authority. One judge who suffered from this disease was Larry Turner, who represented Murphy at a judicial conduct hearing. Turner, who was a judge for eight years, said he understands Murphy’s plight because judges can lose perspective after they get on the bench.
They have a bad poker face
If you are facing prosecution in court, you need to maintain equanimity against them. You must concentrate on your battle, be fully prepared, and show your skill and strength. The opposite can be intimidating, so be prepared to make the prosecutors fear your courage. This is an excellent way to scare the prosecutor into a more favorable settlement or courtroom misstep. You’ll want to make sure your opponent doesn’t sense this because if your opponent feels threatened, he’ll likely try to scare you into making a mistake.
They can be irritated by lawyers
Several reasons explain why judges are easily annoyed by attorneys: Even though judges are human, they make mistakes and aren’t always in the best mood. A judge may be upset because his dog is missing, he can’t make his book club on time, he didn’t get to work out during his lunch hour, or he got a call from his spouse, so he’s more likely to lose patience with you if you’re in the courtroom.
Another reason judges are irritated by lawyers is that they can appear rude to them. Lawyers should remember that their impression of a lawyer is vital to the outcome of a case. Judges rely on the opinions of attorneys they trust and respect. If you get a lawyer who is rude or irrational, he might be inclined to give a bad ruling and may end up sulking in front of other judges.
