Opinions and Personality: Brown on the Law

Abstract

This article draws upon the opinions of one U.S. Court of Appeals Judge, John R. Brown, from one year, for excerpts to support the proposition that “it is more entertaining to try to find humans in opinions than holdings.” Knowing that judges have feelings, philosophies, and personalities is valuable – even if that lesson is a little old by now. It can certainly be an aid for lawyers appearing before that judge. At least some judges’ personalities come through in their opinions. “[A]ny lawyer who readings opinions in this way – whether systematically or merely in the course of his research – will not only be a better informed and more able lawyer, but will probably derive a great deal more fun out of his or her work as well.”

Keywords: judicial clerks, judicial personality, law and literature, opinion writing, U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit Judge John R. Brown