Of
Ron Steinke
Sometimes in court you see the accused crying. And judges who then put the penal code aside, offer handkerchiefs or, if they are good judges, a few words of encouragement. “You’ll get back on your feet, I believe in you.” If they have listened, judges can also blame and scold, in their own words. Then these words often leave even more impression than the punishment does. A court hearing is a moment of truth for some of the accused, also in relation to their entire life. Judges are not law machines.