Black Robe Fever: The Role of the Judge in American Society

"'Black Robe Fever' ... brings out every latent character defect in an individual."

"Black Robe Fever" or "Robe-itis"—the syndrome by which elevation to a judicial position generates arrogance and disdain for the perspectives of others—is seldom addressed or corrected. In fact, one jurist defined "Black Robe Fever" as the process by which "donning a 'judicial robe' brings out every latent character defect in an individual."

Steven I. Platt, retired judge turned full-time mediator/arbitrator, ...