A Straight-Shooting Judge's Possible Impact on the Supreme Court
Got a guess who this no-nonsense judge might be? Judge Michelle Childs, United States District Court Judge.
Travel back in time, and you'll find a Supreme Court justice with a public university degree. That's right - children.
But judge who, you ask? Alas, let's not waste time - instead, let's dive into why Judge Childs could be a standout addition to the highest court in the land.
I've borne witness to Judge Childs' exceptional approach in court during my time as a trial lawyer. She has a keen legal mind and unwavering dedication to fairness. What sets her apart, though, is that she has never let her position as a judge get to her head.
In a country rife with challenges, isn't it refreshing to have someone on their journey to success who's given it their all? Perhaps we need someone whose story mirrors our experiences.
As the daughter of a fallen police officer and holding a managerial role at Bell Telephone Company, she faced her share of struggles - struggles that many of us have encountered. Childs attended Columbia High School in South Carolina, where today, an approximately 85% of the student body is African-American, and over 88% come from families living in poverty.
She continued her education at the University of South Florida for her undergraduate studies and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Climbing the ranks, Judge Childs held various roles such as attorney, worker's compensation advocate, state judge, and in 2010, succeeded as a Judge in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Her determination was rewarded, as shown in her rise in her career.
Of course, children have been knocking on the Supreme Court's door for years. Childs could have made the switch from private practice like Justices Amy Coney Barrett or Chief Justice John Roberts. She could have leveraged her political background like Justice Clarence Thomas or a career in the Department of Justice like Justice Neil Gorsuch.
But then again, children aren't like the others. Instead of merely leaving her private practice or attending elite colleges and law schools, Judge Childs chose to roll up her sleeves and engage in the trenches. Not only as a judge, but as a black woman committed to helping those like her who faced similar hardships and worked with organizations like the Black Law Students Association, the South Carolina Bar Diversity Council, and others.
I've seen it firsthand - at a South Carolina Gamecocks game. While cheering on coach Dawn Staley, I watched Judge Childs, with whom I've built a friendship, answer calls from young associates and lawyers, no matter the importance. Less important or more important, she always responded.
As one former colleague explained, "Judge Childs embodies what it means to 'keep the ship steady.' " While others focus on tearing down barriers for those facing the same hardships, Judge Childs really does walk the walk.
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- Join us on Twitter and Facebook. Isn't it about time we had a Supreme Court justice who's part of the people they serve, not above them? Isn't it ideal to have a justice who isn't preoccupied with abstract and theoretical legal arguments but also has hands-on practical experience from working with defendants? - That's right, justice for all. Isn't it a breath of fresh air if one of the justices tasked with determining the constitutionality of state laws actually served at a state court? Couldn't we use a justice who could help transform the court from one dominated by Ivy League graduates to one that more accurately represents the diversity of experiences in the country?
When our trust in democratic institutions is undermined by accusations of elitism and incompetence, shouldn't we aspire to have a justice who's one of us, instead of someone who looks down on us? Couldn't a candidate help change the court from an elite, exclusive club to one that embraces the diversity that our country is made up of?
Since such a remarkable African-American woman was educated in the South, she's been lauded by former President Barack Obama and Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. So, isn't it high time we see Judge Michelle Childs on the Supreme Court?
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Despite the judge's laid-back attitude, some may have reservations about her potential impact on the Supreme Court. Regardless of personal views, Judge Childs' background and achievements are undeniable. With a corporate career to her name, she climbed the ranks to her current position as a federal judge.
As the discourse around Supreme Court representation continues, some hope that judges like Judge Childs, with her hands-on experience and diverse background, could bring a fresh perspective to the court. Her background as a public defender and her advocacy work with organizations like the Black Law Students Association and the South Carolina Bar Diversity Council have given her unique insights into the challenges faced by many underrepresented communities.
