Question

List at least 4 important character traits you think a state supreme court judge should possess and explain your reasoning behind each choice.

Answer 1

The four important character traits are: judicial temperament, intelligence, ethics, courage and integrity.

Judicial temperament is extremely important as is the ability to apply the law to the facts and to understand how a judicial decision will affect the human being appearing before the court. It is also the ability to assimilate criminal data without bias, and the power to resist provocation and stress that might affect the judgement.

Intelligence is the ability to apply laws to different facts and circumstances. An intelligent judge acts with calm and justice and is always open to new concepts and ideas. A judge can not be narrow-minded because this mindset would affect his capability to judge in a proper manner.

Ethics means that the judge should be a good person and always follow the disciplinary rules of his profession.

Courage means that the judge is not afraid of giving sentences that are not popular. He must also be able to withstand criticism and rejection. Integrity is important as well as the judge must be above any prejudice in his line of work and never be influenced by anybody in deciding on an outcome of a case.