A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

The Hon. Levi J. Benton Judge, 215th District Court

I, Levi Benton, do solemnly swear, … I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Judge … and will …preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws….”
On April 19, 1999, I took that oath, thereby leaving the ranks of the bar to join the judiciary. Since that date, I have aspired to judge fairly and professionally. I am still trying to reach that goal. Some of my observations about professionalism in the judiciary and those who support us are set out below.
Professionalism is deciding the matters before us in a reasonable amount of time—no matter what the consequences. Professionalism is making the effort to get to the right decision for the right reason(s). Professionalism is admitting when we fall short of these aims.
Professionalism is telling powerful and influential people that you have a different interpretation or viewpoint of law, facts and the administration of justice than the one they advocate, when necessary.
Professionalism in judging is giving credit where it is due. Judges would be unable to perform the duties of our office without the support of the staff we work with. Without these consummate professionals, the wheels of justice would not turn at all. Cheers to all court staff professionals!
To paraphrase the words of former Judge Andrew Jefferson, Jr., judicial professionalism is remembering that the courtroom is not the judge’s cathedral and the case is not about us, or our speeches. Generally, if the parties accept the outcomes of matters resolved in courts and thereafter forget our names and faces, we did our job professionally.