Hannah Teich / Crime Story Daily Editor

Kary Antholis / Editor - Publisher

Paul Butler / Consulting Editor

Expert Witness

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 95, Judge Mader concludes her chronicle of a year in the life of a judge. In her afterword, Judge Mader reflects on the family members who got her to where she is today.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 94, Judge Mader recounts a unique apology from a defendant’s family member to a victim’s family during a sentencing hearing. The Judge also details a catch-22 situation where a defendant is deemed neither competent enough to enter a plea because nor eligible for release without a trial.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 93, Judge Mader explains a tactic she uses both to discipline herself to follow the law and to discourage prosecutors from over-charging. She also reflects on a plea deal she approved that she has come to feel is unfair to the victims in the case.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 92, Judge Mader assesses the dismissal of a vehicular manslaughter case based on evidence of faulty brakes. The Judge also explores some of the specific legal perils faced by a defendant who decides to represent themselves when accused of a sex crime.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 91, Judge Mader discusses the case of a repeat offender seeking a lesser sentence because of health concerns, while reflecting on an earlier case to muse on unexpected romantic pairings that she sees in court proceedings.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 90, Judge Mader explains the role of a court commissioner and what happens when these court officers make a misstep. She then details the boundaries she sets for herself when friends and family ask for legal advice.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 89, Judge Mader discusses the complex considerations when resolving conflicts between parties in court. The Judge then looks to the Thanksgiving holiday and reflects on what she is thankful for in the American criminal justice system.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 88, Judge Mader considers how to balance chastising an attorney for insufficient preparation while maintaining efficient courtroom operation. She also describes the...

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 87, Judge Mader explains the strategies lawyers use when selecting a jury. The Judge also discusses the endorsement process for judicial candidates and the importance of ethical standards when vetting prospective judges.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 86, Judge Mader examines the circumstances of a so-called Watson murder, where an intoxicated driver kills someone while driving drunk, and details the hidden tragedies she finds among the jury pool.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 85, Judge Mader looks back at her reasons for becoming a judge and considers the financial demands placed on the candidates in contemporary judicial races.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 84, Judge Mader explains the hierarchy of court assignments. She then details the case of a mentally ill defendant accused of assault and the tension between the need to prosecute crime and the desire to help someone in crisis.

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 83, Judge Mader considers the approaches that different judges take to setting the tone in their courtrooms, including strategies to manage difficult...

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 82, Judge Mader assesses the circumstances of potential juror misconduct in a murder trial, and then discusses the contemporary social dynamics of...

Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part...

In Part 81, Judge Mader reflects on the care a judge must take when composing instructions to a jury. She also navigates a delicate situation with a disrespectful prosecutor.