Gavel
For someone named John Judge, stepping into the legal profession might seem like a predetermined path. Yet, for Hon. John C. Judge himself, the journey to becoming a judge was less about destiny and more about an unexpected turn of events. Despite his fitting surname, a career on the bench wasn’t a lifelong aspiration, even after he became a lawyer. However, he acknowledges the subtle nudge his name might have provided, especially when opportunities arose. In moments of doubt, he even pondered if his last name was the primary factor in his judicial career, while in moments of confidence, he considered it a quirky twist of fate.
Initially, the transition to “Judge” felt surreal. Having spent years as a lawyer among peers, being addressed formally as “judge” by the same colleagues was a shift. The adjustment became smoother when he noticed his high school friends had always called him “Judge,” albeit with a different, more informal inflection. The humor wasn’t lost on him.
Growing up with the last name Judge meant enduring the echoes of “Here come da judge,” a catchphrase from “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” long after the show faded from television screens. Even today, interactions with store clerks often bring lighthearted comments like, “I bet you wish you were a judge,” or “Wouldn’t it be funny if you were a judge?” These moments underscore the amusing coincidence of his name and profession.
The real extent of this humorous coincidence became apparent a few years into his judgeship at a judicial conference. Meeting a senior judge for the first time, he was greeted with relief, as the senior judge confessed he was glad to discover Judge Judge was not a typographical error. This anecdote highlights the unique situation of having a name that so directly mirrors his profession, a concept known as an aptonym, where a name aptly suits its owner.
Further emphasizing the novelty, Judge Judge recounts the reactions in his courtroom. He noticed amusement among people during initial appearances, which he later understood stemmed from the nameplate on the bench reading “Judge Judge.” The repetition was a source of quiet humor for those unfamiliar with him. Even legal professionals sometimes find themselves stumbling over the double “Judge,” opting instead for the informal shorthand “Judge²” or “Judge Squared,” a playful acknowledgment of his distinctive moniker.
Photo of Judge John C. Judge
Whether his name was a conscious or subconscious catalyst in his career trajectory, Judge John C. Judge expresses deep gratitude for his role. Serving as a judge has been an honor and a privilege, a sentiment he holds regardless of the quirks of his name. Yet, he concedes, the name “Judge” certainly hasn’t hurt in a profession where recognition and perhaps a touch of memorability can be advantageous. His story is a testament to embracing the unexpected and finding humor in the unique intersections of life and name.
