List Detail
Rachel Sands '15: Los Angeles Superior Courthouse, Torrance
"The first thing Judge Taylor said to us was, “I get to make the right decision every day.” That statement truly stuck with me, because it revealed his impact on the courtroom, on the city of Torrance, on the people he serves, and on himself."
When working for a judge, you see a mask: a stonewall in place of a smile, or frown, or general expression. And when listening to felony cases, it seems impossible to maintain composure, to keep a mask on while determining whether the verdict will be guilty or innocent.
The first day I met Judge Taylor, I was initially intimidated by his courtroom presence, yet when we talked in his quarters, mentor-to-intern, I found him to be a completely different person. He was not an intimidating superior, but a professional, and talent in the courtroom.
The first thing Judge Taylor said to us was, “I get to make the right decision every day.” That statement truly stuck with me, because it revealed his impact on the courtroom, on the city of Torrance, on the people he serves, and on himself.
It was an exciting world to enter: learning about the criminal process, seeing lawyers in action, seeing Judge Taylor preside over his felony court. It was definitely an amazing experience to reflect on.
Marymount High School
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