From Defender to Judge: Navigating the Bench

This chapter chronicles the transformative journey of a former public defender as they transition to a judge, underscoring their struggles with partisanship and the nuances of judicial neutrality. It examines the personal and ethical challenges judges face, especially in emotionally charged family court cases, and the influence of seemingly trivial factors on their decision-making. Additionally, the chapter addresses the evolving public perceptions of judges, the importance of transparency, and the impact of political scrutiny on the judiciary.