Judge Leslie Southwick Addresses 2017 Call for Senior Status in Notre Dame Law Review
Moral issue
Encouraging judges to retire for political advantage, influencing the composition of the judiciary
Biblical principle
Judges are called to render justice impartially and without favoritism (Jeremiah 21:12; Matthew 7:1‑2).
Old Testament
“O house of David, this saith the Lord: Judge ye judgement in the morning, and deliver him that is oppressed by violence out of the hand of the oppressor: lest my indignation go forth like a fire, and be kindled, and there be none to quench it, because of the evil of your ways.”
Calls judges to act justly and protect the oppressed, contrasting with political manipulation of judicial appointments.
New Testament
“Judge not, that you may not be judged,”
Warns against judgment that is biased or self‑serving, relevant to the misuse of judicial influence.
“For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
Emphasizes that those who judge unjustly will themselves be judged, highlighting the moral risk of partisan judicial maneuvering.
Analysis
The conduct involves judges being urged to take senior status so that a partisan president can fill the vacancies, which raises concerns about the integrity of the judicial office and the proper administration of justice. Scripture warns that judges must act without partiality and that those who judge unjustly will be judged themselves (Matt. 7:1‑2; Jer. 21:12). The manipulation of judicial appointments for political ends conflicts with the biblical call for justice and impartiality, placing the conduct in tension with biblical teaching.
Why these passages apply
Jeremiah 21:12 exhorts judges to deliver the oppressed and act justly, while Matthew 7:1‑2 warns against judging others lest one be judged, highlighting the need for integrity and impartiality in judgment.
Important context
The passage concerns the political strategy of influencing judicial retirements to shape the court's ideological balance, not a direct act of personal injustice toward a specific individual.
Interpretive limitations
The supplied verses address general principles of justice and judgment but do not speak directly to modern judicial appointment processes. The analysis therefore infers tension based on broader biblical concepts of impartial justice.
AI disclosure: this interpretation was generated after the factual analysis was complete, using only passages from the validated Scripture store. It examines the specific reported conduct — not a party, nation, or person — and does not alter the factual findings.
Published Oct 2, 2026, 12:48 AM CDT · Pipeline 2.1.0