While I know a few people in the group had heard Judge Miller speak before, this was my first time attending a talk with him. In all honesty, I did not expect such a level of humility and grounding from a professional in a high position of power. But Judge Miller proved to me, and hopefully to the group at the cafe, that some people in power do not bat a blind eye towards the struggles of others.

In his definition of a  criminal, Judge Miller was very hesitant to impose this title on anyone. He believes that unless an agent is constantly considering their next crime, they are a person. I couldn’t agree more that the title of criminal blurs one’s status as a human, and only inspires further heinous acts. And I hope that other judges hold a similar sentiment.

However, my opinions diverged when Judge Miller went against the judge presiding over Larry Nassar’s case. While I do believe that a certain aura of professionalism is necessary when sentencing someone to over 170 years in prison, all judges are put on the bench by either the people or a representative of the people. And if the people who brought this specific judge into her position thought that her methods, means, and opinions are respectable, who are we, a group of students across the country, to deny her legitimacy? Overall, the talk was very informative and I thank all those who attended.