Balancing the Scales: A Look at Life Beyond the Gavel with Judge Suzanne de Mahy

Law Have Mercy!

In this episode of the Law Have Mercy! Podcast, we've got our most HONORABLE guest EVER-- Judge Suzanne de Mahy!
If you live in America, there's almost no chance you haven't seen the inside of a courtroom. Perhaps in person, tending to your civic duty or atoning for your sins one shameful morning before the honorable judge & two dozen other bad drivers who were issued the same "excessive speeding" ticket. On the other hand, maybe you haven't stepped inside a court room yourself but have seen the courtroom scene depicted on TV or in movies! Who doesn't love a good courtroom drama, after all? Judge Judy, Divorce Court, Law and Order!..classics. In either case, when you find yourself observing that courtroom scene, there's a good chance you'll steal more than a few glances at the judge who is perched at the center of it all. You'll try to predict what he/she is thinking....wish you could slam that gavel just once....ope someone gets out of line so the judge can kick them out of his or her courtroom. Indeed, there's an heir of mystique surrounding our honorable judges and how they use their quiet power to keep order in their courtroom yet maintain their appeal and respect among the public to secure their election or appointment.
What's it like to hold the scales of justice? To preside over intense criminal and civil trials? Or to navigate the complexities of family law, child custody decisions, or bringing down the perfect sentence to fit a crime? If you're even half as curious as we are, then you're in for a real treat! On this episode of Law Have Mercy! podcast, we are sitting down with an INCREDIBLY special guest, Judge Suzanne de Mahy of the 16th JDC in Louisiana. Tune in as Suzanne offers a unique lens into this world from her seat. We will unpack the intricacies of her role, hear of her personal journey from lawyer to judge, and delve into the dynamic nature of the justice system.
Imagine shouldering the responsibility of deciding a fellow citizen's fate. What factors would sway your decision? We tackle the importance of the jury system, their responsibilities, and how personal biases can potentially affect outcomes. Judge de Mahy also candidly discusses the concept of 'judge shopping' and the strategies some lawyers use to navigate the system.
The gavel doesn't define Judge de Mahy entirely, though! Outside of the courtroom, she's a marathon runner, an avid traveler, and a strong advocate for self-care. Drawing from her personal strategies, she underscores the need for lawyers and judges to maintain their mental and physical well-being. She also shares a bit about her upbringing with a judge father and just how it influenced her career (HINT: It's not the way you think!). Join us for an enlightening peek behind the curtain of the justice system that's so real and relatable, you definitely won't have any objections. *-)
Music is Funky Trap by artist Royalty Free Music. No Copyright infringement is intended. This podcast is produced by Carter Simoneaux.

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This show is co-produced by Carter Simoneaux of AcadianaCasts Network, Chaz H. Roberts of Chaz Roberts Law and Kayli Guidry Bonin of Beau The Agency.

Chapters

1. Balancing the Scales: A Look at Life Beyond the Gavel with Judge Suzanne de Mahy (00:00:00)

2. Judge's Role in Criminal and Family Law (00:00:09)

3. Role of Judges in Hearings/Trials (00:12:26)

4. Improving the Jury Experience (00:25:37)

5. The Journey to Becoming a Judge (00:39:14)

6. The Benefits of Exercise and Self-Care (00:51:47)

7. Purpose and Appreciation of Ironman and Judge (01:02:20)