Judges as Teachers .

Abstract

Judges are fundamentally teachers. But their teaching role is often obscured and muted. This discussion aims to give prominence to the teaching role of judges. It demonstrates that judges teach when they exercise judicial power generally, and specifically when they respect the principle of precedent, and observe high standards of behavior. It highlights that, though the teaching role of judges is significant for confirming judges' connection to society, for keeping the law alive and responsive to the needs of society, for spotlighting the utility of judges, for keeping judges motivated, for engendering greater judicial efficiency, positive perception of judges, and access to justice, it is hardly singled out for extended discussion and appreciation, and hence, the misperception and under appreciation of judges, and dissatisfaction with the administration of justice. It recommends broadening judicial training content to guide judges use this role constructively, but it also recognizes other significant hurdles to overcome if judges are to perform this role constructively.