Our fellow lawyers often say that it's difficult to tell how someone will be affected by becoming a judge. The traditional risk of "black robe fever" is certainly still among us, though the number of afflicted seems pretty small. And indeed, there are many instances in which judges who were known as bare-knuckled operators during their days as practitioners somehow manage to evolve into even-handed, courteous adjudicators.
Help with mastering the mechanics of judicial office is usually right at hand. Judicial education sponsored by state and federal courts and a host of other providers serve to assist us on anything that can be taught as a "how to."
Assessing how we can maneuver through the more introspective aspects of judging, however, is not something easily learned through continuing legal education. This newsletter represents the Indiana judiciary's contribution toward helping judges find insight into the more personal challenges that come with being a judge. We now distribute this bulletin to several thousand judges. We'd be glad to have advice or suggestions, which you can send to our editor, Deidre Baxter Cheng. Her email is at the end of this newsletter. We particularly welcome your suggestions about issues helpful to managing your life and your career. Enjoy ~
Randall T. Shepard,
Chief Justice of Indiana
The Right Thing
As a judge, you are constantly confronted with ethical questions. Yet, ethics are not limited to the four walls of your courtroom. We are all required to make countless decisions daily that, in sum, illustrate the degree to which we are ethical individuals. The Josephson Institute seeks to provide a blueprint for making decisions (those not regulated by legal ethics) ethically. Based on six values common to most people – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship – this ethics guide provides a step-by-step process to decision-making. And the point of striving to be ethical? Beyond being the right thing to do, it leads to true happiness – an “emotional resting place of quiet satisfaction with one's life.” Please see, “Making Ethical Decisions,” by Michael Josephson; Josephson Institute of Ethics.
http://www.josephsoninstitute.org/MED/MED-intro+toc.htm
Be Safe
The judiciary has suffered increased violence in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 1.7 million Americans were victims of on-the-job violent crimes each year from 1993 to 1999. Workplace violence accounted for 18 percent of all violent crime during those same years. The Personal Security Guide, published by the Federal Protective Service, offers a wealth of information about personal security. Addressing topics such as identity theft and computer security as well as residential and travel safety, the Guide suggests specific ways to protect yourself and steps to take if you are already a victim. Personal security requires awareness and consistency. Be prepared. Please see, “Personal Security Guide,” Federal Protective Service; State Justice Institute.
http://www.statejustice.org/pdf/FSG/TOC % 20Personal%20Security%20Guide.pdf
A Matter of Time
We all have 168 hours each week – the same amount of time as Gandhi, Einstein, and Mother Teresa, and the same amount of time as those with more private triumphs such as strong families, excellent health, and restful nights. This is hopeful news. Attorney R. Talmadge Hammock offers suggestions on managing your career and the rest of your life, according to your personal definition of “balance.” We must prioritize, create a plan, and implement the plan to achieve balance – steps routinely taken in our professional lives. Hammock also offers time-saving tips that can make your goals more attainable. Find your balance and you and your family will reap the rewards. Please see, “Finding the Balance Between Your Career and the Rest of Your Life,” by R. Talmadge Hammock; Texas Bar Journal, Feb. 2006.
The Reality of Retirement
Most of us look forward to retirement: few (if any) professional obligations, plenty of time, and the pursuit of hobbies we've only dreamt of fulfilling. Yet, retirement can bring major logistical and psychological challenges: your professional identity changes, your social network evolves, and your relationship with your spouse enters a new phase. It can be a difficult transition for those who neglect to consider the challenges and prepare accordingly. The Nebraska Lawyer addresses six perils of retirement and how to avoid them. Whether you or your spouse is facing this transition, plan ahead and keep an open dialogue. You deserve the retirement of your dreams. Please see, “Six Perils of Retirement,” by David Corbett; The Nebraska Lawyer, Nov./Dec. 2006.
http://www.nebar.com/pdfs/nelawyer/2006/Nov-Dec06/111206d.pdf
A Tough Position
As part of a political system, the judiciary must “participate in it without becoming victims of politics” – a delicate position, indeed. Maintaining judicial independence, yet responding to concerns about judicial accountability, are obligations of the judiciary. This American Judicature Society editorial discusses three ways the federal judiciary has responded to questions about judicial accountability. Despite concern for how the issues of accountability were raised, the judiciary felt a response was merited. From using new technology to eliminate conflicts of interest, to dealing with misconduct or disability complaints, the judiciary is striving to prove itself accountable – a significant step toward preserving independence and bolstering public support. Please see, “Politics and Progress in Federal Judicial Accountability,” by a standing committee of the American Judicature Society, Oct. 2006.
http://www.ajs.org/ajs/ajs_editorial-template.asp?content_id=530
The Newest Crime
Identity theft is America 's fastest growing crime, claiming over 27 million victims since 2003. As a judge, you are a high-profile individual and a tempting target for such a crime. Identity theft occurs when a person “knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a type of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet an unlawful activity…” See 18 U.S.C. 1028 (a)(7). Find out ten ways to protect yourself and your family, including monitoring your credit report, shredding identifying documents, and limiting use of your social security number. Please see, “Am I Me? Who Are You? Understanding Identity Theft, Protecting Yourself, and Stopping the Crime,” by Dr. Christopher T. Pierson, Ph.D., J.D.; The Nevada Lawyer, Oct. 2006.
http://www.nvbar.org/publications/nevada%20lawyer%20magazine/20 0 6/october/identity.htm
© Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Indiana Judicial Center, Indiana Judicial Conference Committee on Ethics and Professionalism.
