The Mental Challenges Judges Face

This article was originally published in Texas Lawyer.

Isolation isn't healthy for anyone. That's especially true for those who serve in the judiciary.

Serving as a judge is a unique experience. In Texas, where judges are selected in the general election on a partisan ballot, judges must campaign for their jobs. Campaigning is a whirlwind of activity and experiences, both positive and negative. But there is one constant in any good political campaign—the candidate is constantly surrounded by people. Then, if the campaign goes well and the judge is elected, he or she takes the bench and is surrounded only by litigants who need difficult questions answered. And, for appellate judges, the don’t even see the litigants; their only daily interaction is with their colleagues and court staff. For the judge, life gets quiet – sometimes too quiet.