A teen was falling asleep during a courtroom field trip. She ended up in cuffs and jail clothes

[PJMcK]

3. Local judges can be fierce

Their courtrooms are their fiefdoms.

Once, my son had to appear in traffic court for a minor accident. I leaned over to him and whispered that he should be really respectful of the judge when he’s called. The judge saw me and upbraided me for distracting him! I told him what I told my son and he threatened me with contempt of court!

In many ways, local judges can act without direct supervision. Most are professional and even compassionate. The rogues give everyone a black eye.