From the Bench

• Citation: Vol. 38 No. 2 Pg. 10
• Publication year: 2015
• Pages: 10
• Year: 2015

From the Bench Vol. 38 No. 2 Pg. 10 Wyoming Bar Journal April, 2015

Hon. Michael L. Greer Circuit Court Judge Third Judicial District

Are judges bossy?

Every year about this time, fifth grade students and their teachers stream through the courthouse and ultimately pack the courtrooms to talk to the judges. It is one of the most interesting and satisfying things I do as a judge, and often a little surprising.

By this time in the school year, the kids already know the basic structure of government and the role of the courts. However, in my experience they still cling to a number of common myths and misconceptions about judges and what we really do in the courtroom. As a result I spend most of my time with them fielding every question they have, and clearing up as many erroneous notions as I can. You’d be surprised at the questions ten- and eleven-year-olds come up with.

I’ve been asked why we wear robes, why I’m franked by the American and Wyoming fags, what the large round emblem is (state seal), and do I ever wear a wig. I’m not...