Dinner Decisions
“I always try and sit next to somebody at a dinner who seems to have good taste because whatever they order from the menu, I’m going to order so I don’t have to make another decision.” – Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Quotes
Judicial Arrogance
“Judges’ vast power over lawyers and litigants sometimes brings forth judges’ arrogance, not humility.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Atticus Finch
“Most of us began law school or entered the practice of law picturing ourselves as Atticus Finch, the fictional lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, whose representation of an unpopular criminal defendant required him to take a fresh look at legal services and at society. We saw ourselves, like Atticus, advocating for or in some way assisting people regardless of race, religion, financial status, unpopularity of the cause, or financial consequences to ourselves. . . . Let us reawaken the spirit of Atticus Finch in each of us. Let each of us take a fresh look at the justice system. And let all of us recommit ourselves to the ideal of making access to justice a reality for all.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
The Third Branch
“The third branch is the least understood branch of government. If we are able to maintain the respect of people for the work of the courts, we must ensure that our partnership with the public is a strong one. We can strengthen that partnership by acknowledging that the litigants and the bar are consumers of our services, and by looking at our roles from the perspective of those who appear before us and that of the entire community we serve.” – Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Career in judiciary
“I would strongly urge the women in the audience to consider a career in the judiciary. Judging seems to be tailor-made for women. Judging is physically light work—generally no heavy lifting is required. Judges are often heard to complain that they are overworked and underpaid, characteristics typically ascribed to ‘women’s work.’ And should a judge decide to bear a child, her robe is a perfect maternity dress.”
Why I Call My Husband ‘Honey’
“I cannot remember people’s names. That’s why I call my husband Honey.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
To Ensure a Truly Just Legal System
“To ensure a truly just legal system, one that reflects the history and hopes of this state, there must be greater public participation in the justice system.” – Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Hug a Judge
“If you want to take the law into your own hands, hug a judge.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Future of the Justice System
“The future of the justice system depends largely on the public’s continued confidence in the courts. When the courts truly serve the community, public trust in the justice system will grow.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
Judiciary ‘Agency’
“[I]f you want to raise the hackles of judges, you call the judiciary an ‘agency.’ You just don’t do that. We are—and this becomes very important—a separate branch of government, a co-equal branch of government, maybe the smallest of the branches of government. Maybe that’s why when you start the ‘agency’ bit the judges take out their black robes, start to don’em, yell ‘separation of powers,’ ‘inherent authority,’ and ‘we’ll get you.’ That’s because we feel boxed in by this concept of agency.”