Tonight’s Rose Cafe with Judge Miller opened my eyes to a perspective of the criminal justice system that I had never experienced before. The media and entertainment often shows (usually dramatized) accounts of detectives and lawyers solving mysteries and standing their ground in court, but I was unfamiliar with a judge’s viewpoint. In an engaging discussion that ranged from marijuana to the #MeToo movement, Judge Miller discussed his experiences in cases from civil and family disputes to rape and murder. He mentioned a case where he ruled that the scent of marijuana was not probable cause for searching a person’s body or possessions, a ruling that set a precedent for all of New York State. It was surprising to hear that a case decided in Ithaca had ramifications for the entire state and it was a reminder of the importance of the judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens. This was an ideal that Judge Miller referred to again at the end of the discussion, when he reaffirmed that the safety of a democratic state is preserved by an independent judiciary.

Another notable part of the discussion was when Judge Miller discussed his personal feelings regarding the responsibility and sanctity of a judge’s position. His comments on the necessity of a judge to be humble and professional impressed upon me the reality that judges have final say in sentencing someone who is convicted of a crime, and to what extent this sentence will impact their life. He also discussed his objections to the current prison system, and how providing universal healthcare and education would significantly lower crime rates. Finally, Judge Miller concluded by saying he believed it is an exciting time to be a young adult, given the political turmoil of the world right now. While I disagree with the choice of the word “exciting,” his statement reminded me that we are living through a time that will likely constitute a turning point in world history, and it is important to remember our power as protesters and voters and citizens concerned about their nation.