Judge Katherine Mader (Ret.)

In Part 89, Judge Mader discusses the complex considerations when resolving conflicts between parties in court. The Judge then looks to the Thanksgiving holiday and reflects on what she is thankful for in the American criminal justice system.

In Part 88, Judge Mader considers how to balance chastising an attorney for insufficient preparation while maintaining efficient courtroom operation. She also describes the ‘absurd’ result of legalizing marijuana but retaining severe penalties for marijuana-related crimes. You can find links to all installments of Inside the Robe here. November 14 Preparing jury instructions for the murder/vehicular manslaughter trial that was concluding Monday morning consumed part of my three-day weekend. The jury instructions were voluminous. At least sixty pages. The jurors need to analyze the state of mind of the defendant as well as the different types of murder and manslaughter. Just reading the...

In Part 87, Judge Mader explains the strategies lawyers use when selecting a jury. The Judge also discusses the endorsement process for judicial candidates and the importance of ethical standards when vetting prospective judges.

In Part 86, Judge Mader examines the circumstances of a so-called Watson murder, where an intoxicated driver kills someone while driving drunk, and details the hidden tragedies she finds among the jury pool.

In Part 85, Judge Mader looks back at her reasons for becoming a judge and considers the financial demands placed on the candidates in contemporary judicial races.

In Part 84, Judge Mader explains the hierarchy of court assignments. She then details the case of a mentally ill defendant accused of assault and the tension between the need to prosecute crime and the desire to help someone in crisis.