Better Judgment: How Three Judges Are Bringing Justice Back to the Courts

The State of the Judiciary and the Need for Hope

• ⚖️ The current state of the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, is easy to despair over, with decisions often reflecting partisan power rather than the rule of law.
• 💡 Despite challenges, there are courageous judges actively fighting to protect democracy and uphold civil rights, offering a sense of hope.
• 📖 Reynolds Holding's book, "Better Judgment," profiles three such judges who refuse to give up on the law and are working towards a more just future.

Judge Carlton Reeves: A Path Shaped by Experience

• 🌟 Judge Carlton Reeves, a Black man from Mississippi, was inspired by the judges who implemented desegregation and expanded opportunities.
• ✊ His background informs his judicial approach, particularly in cases involving racial justice and civil rights, such as his compelling opinion on qualified immunity.
• 🎯 Reeves's judicial philosophy is encapsulated in his frequent saying to his clerks: "Let's go do justice."

Judge Martha Vasquez: Championing Inclusion and Second Chances

• 🇲🇽 Judge Martha Vasquez, of Mexican American heritage, grew up working in agriculture and developed a deep appreciation for immigrant work ethic and US opportunities.
• ⚖️ Witnessing her brother's harsh sentencing under federal guidelines motivated her to become a judge focused on giving people a chance and understanding their backgrounds.
• 🗺️ She innovatively brought her court to the Navajo Nation to improve jury diversity and access to justice, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion.

Judge Jed Rakoff: Challenging Corporate Power and Oligarchy

• 🏦 Judge Jed Rakoff, initially a prosecutor and corporate defense attorney, became a crusader against Wall Street misconduct, notably refusing to approve settlements without admissions of wrongdoing.
• 💡 Rakoff's approach is characterized by creativity, a pursuit of truth, and a desire to understand the