I‘m currently working on a new writing project.  Here’s an excerpt:

A judge doesn’t want the label, “soft on crime.” Judges are supposed to be tough.  They are to make sure that criminals and wrong doers pay their debts to society.  Rarely is a judge heralded for giving minimal jail time to a drug dealer or probation to a habitual offender.  In a land with Three Strikes Laws and voters who don’t take kindly to plea bargains being known as a judge who lets offenders off with a slap on the wrist is not a good thing.  Judges are expected to lay down the law to lawbreakers and be tough on crime.  When they don’t they gain a bad reputation.

Many people are angry with Judge Reichbach in New York City for being too easy on criminals.  When Dominic Bunch stood before him in court because he was caught selling a semi-automatic firearm, prosecutors asked for a five year prison sentence.  Even though the defendant admitted to the crime and plead guilty the judge reduced his sentence to six months in jail plus six months probation.  “It’s an absolute outrage, he should be ashamed of himself,” said the District Attorney.  The judge said, “This young man is deserving of a break.”  On another occasion Judge Reichbach granted bail to an accused cop killer.[i]

            As a judge if you’re lenient on crime you gain a bad reputation.  Outrage ensues if you relent in your punishment of murderers, drug dealers and drunk drivers.  Prosecutors will try to avoid your courtroom and request that you remove yourself from their case.  When it’s election time, your adversaries will run ads against you stirring up the ire of voters.  Someone might even start a petition to recall you. 

            When it comes to being a judge, God has gained a reputation for being soft on crime too.  Murderers, adulterers and habitual offenders have entered his court and walked away scot-free.