New Britain herald., 1929-06-08

 of national discussion of whats-to- be-done about the handicap that middle age puts on working women one occupation stands out in its unique preference for women over 70.
 This is the judgeship.
 New York's second woman magistrate. Judge Jeanette G Brill, now takes her seat upon the bench. She is 41. This is not mere chance. It is precedent. Many states in the union cannot legally name a woman judge until she has passed 40, according to "The Standard Juvenile Court Law" which the National Proba- ton Association has just issued Indiana, Louisiana and Georgia are among these states. Judge Florence Allen of the Ohio Su- preme Court, Judge Jean Norris of New York. Judge Mary M. Bar telme of Chicago and practically all other eminent women judges in this country are in those 'striv' ing, thriving, middle years.'
 The Significance of It
 Of course one might say tha; this occupation, being SO highly technical and requiring so much training, is mere drop in the bucket and small argument ln- deed in favor of the usefulness ot women over 40. But it is signi- ficant for several reasons.
 First no women in any profes- sion win quite the influence nor the public respect for their sue cess that judges do. It is a strong entering wedge for the gen. uine usefulness of the trained mind and experience that onl, years of work can give a woman. Second, the occupation of judge ship for women has grown so tre- mendously in the past three de- cades, that it offers enormous fu ture opportunities to the women of tomorrow.
 Thirty years ago the first wo- man judge of Juvenile Court. Judge Mary Bartelme. of Chicago, took her seat upon the bench. To- day this fine dean of women judges sees dozens of her sister women entering her feild. and incidental ly, Judge Bartelme receives sal arv many men might envy-$15, GOO yearly.
 Three Fields Are Open There are three distinct voca- tions in the field of courts tha, are open for women today. First there are the iudgeships. either i juvenile or as magistrate; second referees.
 Four of the largest juvenile i courts in American are managed 1 by women and dozens of small | towns such as Plattsburgh, N. Y. and Boyce, Va. have women judges
 Three women south of the Ma. son Dixon line have shown the , South how fair feminine judg. l ment can be. Judge Camille kel- 1 ley. who presides over the Juve- ile Court of Memphis. Tenn. had the distinction of being the first 1 woman judge in the South. wher ! she was appointed eight years ago 1 Mrs. Edith M. Atkinson is a iude, ih Miami. Fla. and Judge kath 'yn Sellers presidcs over court ir | Washington. D. C.
 | In many places where there arc men judges. women referees servt | as their assistants or associates ! Some far-sishted juvenile cour, i judges appoint women referees tc hear all delinquent correctiona cases. It is found that girls talr more easily 10 a woman. Notable women referees in the country ar. Dr. Miriam Van Waters of the Ju i venile Court of Los Angeles, an,
 Miss Mary F.. McChristie of tn. Court of Domestic Relations ir Cincinnati, Ohio
 Women started in court career, through probation work. No, many years ago anyone suggesting women magistrates Of higher O. tr1mlnal courts would have beer scoffed at. Today. however, ther, are several making eminent sue cesses for themselves and nor. opportunities for other women b, their example.
 Judge Jean Norris of New YorI has rotated between the Domesti, Relations and Womens Courts il Americas biggest city since he, appointment in 1920. Judge Brill who will serve out the uncxpire, portion of the term of Louis H
 Reynolds, has served as Deput, Attorney under the former Attor ney General, Carl Sherman. an, will sit in the New York Magis trates' Court. Her salary, by th'
 way. is $i2.0oo yearly.
 Unusual Judicial Record
 Judge Georgia Bullock. of tn, | Woman's Court of Los Angeles
 handed down more than 2500 de cisions. from which there has beer
 hut one appeal and in that he judgment was sustained by tn Iappointed to the superior cour
 bench, an unusual honor.
 | Judge Florence Allen Of tn