Skip to main content
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Find a Lawyer

More Options

How to Deal With a Bullying Judge

By William Vogeler, Esq. on February 27, 2019 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Nobody likes a bully, especially the ones in black robes.

They are like ogres, trolls that drag people under the bridge and eat them raw. Only judicial bullies do it front a courtroom audience, and no one dares come to the rescue.

That's why you have to come to court prepared for the worst. Either that, or get outta there while you still have your briefs.

Bad Judges

It's hard to complain publicly about a judge, but there are some bad ones out there. In case you forgot, here's a list of recent nominees:

Nobody is saying these people are bullies. Thieves, racists, or sexual harassers, maybe, but that's what judicial discipline is for.

When you are in the courtroom with a bully, it's too late for that. So what are you going to do?

What to Do?

Attorney Roula Allouch, speaking about an anti-bully initiative with the American Bar Association, said lawyers often overlook judicial bullying. But litigators can:

  • Make an objection for the record
  • Ask the court to address a different issue
  • Take the matter to the presiding judge

Allouch said attorneys should complain discreetly, when possible. Sometimes they may want to address the problem as a group or a bar association.

Before long, they will have their own list of bad judges. That would be the judicial recusal list.

Want information on effective marketing? Let the experts at FindLaw's Lawyer Marketing give you a hand with FindLaw Integrated Legal Marketing Solutions.

Related Resources:

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
Copied to clipboard