About the Book
The Book of Judges is the comprehensive insider’s guide to the inner workings of the judicial nomination and selection process. Curated by attorney and judicial nomination commissioner Jeff Goodman, this collection of essays from 66 judges offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective into each step of the journey to the bench. Whether you are an attorney considering a judicial career, a policymaker or legal professional interested in improving the judicial system, or simply a citizen curious about how judges are chosen, The Book of Judges demystifies one of the most consequential yet opaque aspects of our legal system, and serves as the essential guidebook for a new generation of leaders who mete out justice from the bench.
"This remarkable compendium says more about the practicalities of judging than any other single volume ever published."
Enjoy a Preview
Get a sneak peek inside The Book of Judges! Click the button to preview the Table of Contents and read Chief Justice Susan L. Christensen’s powerful chapter, Testing Before Trusting. Don’t miss this inspiring glimpse into a compelling collection!
Meet
Jeff Goodman -
The Curator
Jeff Goodman is an author, jury consultant, and trial lawyer. An attorney for 40 years, he is he founder of Goodman/Keller P.C. law firm as well as Harbinger Jury Consultants, Inc., and the author of dozens of articles featured in law reviews and journals. Jeff’s 25 years of service on state and federal judicial nomination commissions inspired him to address a critical gap in resources for judicial aspirants. The result is The Book of Judges, a groundbreaking collection of personal essays that demystifies the complex judicial nomination and selection process. Its companion volume, due out in 2027, will provide detailed guidance for those who answer the call to serve the public from the bench. Jeff holds a Juris Doctorate from the Drake University Law School.
“The idea for this work is truly visionary. It is an amazing compilation of thoughtful insights into the judiciary, and it will soon become an important historical piece.”
“Jeff Goodman’s remarkable vision in assembling authentic, eye-opening stories of what it is to become a judge is inspirational and fascinating, reaffirming my reverence for those who mete out justice.”
“You don’t need a law degree to be drawn into The Book of Judges — just a curiosity about the people who shape our justice system. These 66 judges describe their journeys to the bench with surprising candor, revealing not just the mechanics of the process, but the emotions that come with it – hope, doubt, frustration, and fulfillment.”
“The Book of Judges provides an impressive inside look at the judicial selection process. One could not ask for a more insightful — and movingly personal — view of the men and women we entrust with the enormous power of the court.”
“One word instantly comes to mind in reviewing The Book of Judges:
EPIC. This creative and incomparable collection of firsthand essays from a
plethora of judges from wide-ranging backgrounds provides unparalleled
behind the robe’s insights into the world of judging found nowhere else.”
