Yet another group are the lawyers. Patience is a virtue, especially with obstreperous or young lawyers. More is to be gained by dignity and courtesy in the courtroom than by any other treatment. I owe it to the lawyers to listen to their arguments. I strive to be dignified and firm but not mean.
Lawyers have enormous opportunities to be peacemakers, if guided or goaded.
Judges have inherent powers and persuasive abilities to turn courtroom warriors into community peacemakers. Many who experience a courtroom setting for the first time are the litigants and witnesses. Kindness and understanding go a long way with them. Every judge creates an impression by what he or she says. But I send other signals too-by facial expressions, body motions and tone of voice.