During tonight’s Rose Cafe, a student asked Judge Scott Miller what he thought about Judge Rosemarie Aquilina’s remarks to Larry Nassar during his sentencing. Prior to hearing Judge Miller’s opinion on the matter, I agreed with quite a bit of people that Judge Aquilina’s remarks were warranted given the horrifying events that occurred for years to young Olympian girls. Judge Miller proceeded to shock me by saying that he was appalled by Judge Aquilina’s reaction in front of the court. He began to explain the importance that anybody with power has to conduct themselves in an appropriate fashion lest he/she begin to abuse their power.

This response left me on the fence: on one hand, I feel like Judge Aquilina’s reaction could have been more violent and unprofessional and it still wouldn’t have been enough in comparison to all the wrong that Nassar did. But, on the other hand, I feel like I am in agreeance with Judge Miller: Judge Aquilina should have had more decorum in the courtroom, especially, given the fact that she has all of the power. This talk with Judge Miller really made me think about the implications of having a position of power and the importance of proper conduct when exercising that power. This is something that, in my opinion, people think about in theory but in practice, it’s hard to remember this especially given how emotionally charged situations can be.