Favorite Judges and Their Impact on Judicature: Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Beyond

Every judge brings a unique perspective and approach to their role. Simon Cowell! I agree with most of his judgments. He’s truly a real good judge. Even among fans of Lesser Known Talents (spectators), Simon's no-nonsense demeanor and honesty are invaluable in a judge.

While there’s a toss-up between Simon and Howie Mandel, I rarely disagree with either of them—suddenly, Howie comes across as a bit more disagreeable than Simon. Howie has long pushed for being kind to all contestants, but I feel I disagree slightly more with him. Howie is finally over his ‘be nice to everyone' policy, but it’s Simon who gets my vote since I agree with his judgments more often.

John J. Sirica: The Judge Who Cracked the Watergate Case

John J. Sirica played a pivotal role in the Watergate scandal. His tough sentences on the original seven defendants were a critical turning point. James McCord, one of the burglars, was facing the prospect of being separated from his special-needs child for years. In a bid for clemency, he wrote Sirica a letter accusing the defendants of perjury and revealing that the conspiracy went higher than the seven burglars. Sirica publicly read the letter in court, a bold move that was then picked up by the press. This act prompted the Senate to form a special Watergate investigating committee, fundamentally changing the course of American history.

Justice Clarence Thomas: The Most Vocal Supreme Court Judge

My favorite judge is Justice Clarence Thomas because, in many ways, I feel like he speaks at the Supreme Court as much as I do. Let me explain—I have never spoken at the Supreme Court. Typically, all justices but Thomas ask questions and engage in dialogue with lawyers presenting arguments. Lawyers are rarely allowed to present their arguments uninterrupted. Thomas is the lone justice who allows lawyers the opportunity to present their cases without interruption. This makes his role quite unique and impactful.

Thomas's approach to judging has been a subject of much debate. Some admire his meticulous reading of the law, while others criticize his conservative stance. Regardless, his silence during oral arguments was a notable absence that Thomas's frequent vocal presence makes up for. Even in these exchanges, Thomas's meticulous examination of the law brings a level of clarity and rigor to the proceedings.

While it's easy to have favorite judges, it's also important to recognize the broader impact that each judge makes. From picking up the Watergate scandal to the nuanced exchanges in the Supreme Court, these judges shape the legal landscape in meaningful ways.