In the not-so-glamorous category of news stories, it appears Arizona has delivered a real doozy. An Arizona Superior Court judge, no less, seemed to have forgotten the decorum expected of someone upholding the law and found herself in quite the predicament. While visiting Prescott, Arizona, this judge found her idea of a night on the town ending in a rather undignified way—caught literally with her pants down after some boozy antics. And let’s just say it had nothing to do with her courtroom decisions, unless she was judging which bush was the best place to relieve herself.
The police were called to the scene to find the judge struggling her way out of the embrace of a shrubbery. Shocking indeed, they discovered that this lady of the law had decided a public venue was just as good as the powder room. Any onlooker might have expected her to whip out a gavel next and declare order over the night’s proceedings. But alas, it seemed order was in short supply. The officers on duty attempted to handle the situation with authority, questioning her husband as he bravely or perhaps unwisely tried to shield his wife’s honor, or at least her blushes. Unfortunately for him, it only resulted in his own date with the ground, courtesy of the long arm of the law.
Now, of course, this isn’t just a tale of personal embarrassment. No, it’s a telling reminder of what happens when those in positions of power forget that they’re held to a higher standard. Or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves. The judge’s subsequent resignation letter was filled with lamentations about how her behavior might be perceived as incompatible with the values of the judiciary. Well, yes, if by values one also means not using the nearest bush as a restroom early on a Friday night.
Much has been said about the entitlement some feel due to their status. Apparently, some believe that such status even grants permission for rather peculiar public displays. This kind of folly is usually reserved for the spring breakers who, after a few too many, decide the night is young, and etiquette is for the morning after. But it seems everyone can have a moment where their title slips away, and they are just an ordinary person caught up in the folly of the moment.
Even though her time in the courtroom has come to an end, this judge’s actions serve as a stark, albeit entertaining, reminder that everyone, regardless of status or position, must sometimes answer for their mistakes. Maybe her next endeavor should consider a career change—perhaps a podcast, where such colorful moments are more par for the course and less career-ending. After all, they say life is a journey, but this particular detour was one for the record books. No one can say she didn’t make an impression, though perhaps not the kind that earns one a statue in the town square.
