Is it appropriate to thank a judge?
November 4, 2010 6:01 PM   Subscribe

On Tuesday, voters removed three Iowa judges from office after they legalized same-sex marriage. I'd like to write those judges, thanking them for their service and their brave decision. Is this appropriate?
posted by Sfving to Writing & Language (21 answers total) 15 users marked this as a favorite
 
I think it's a lovely idea. Especially if you make it clear it's not a form letter from some sort of campaign.
posted by threeants at 6:03 PM on November 4, 2010


I think it's appropriate, and kind and thoughtful. Who wouldn't like to get a thank-you letter for their work (particularly after losing their positions)?
posted by malibustacey9999 at 6:05 PM on November 4, 2010 [1 favorite]


Yes.
posted by Brian Puccio at 6:09 PM on November 4, 2010


Best answer: I did an externship with a federal judge during a semester of law school, and believe you me he got all sorts of letters. Most of which, as you could expect, were not written by the most well-informed or temperate of folks. But they all got read, and the supportive ones were much appreciated on a personal level. Go right ahead.
posted by holterbarbour at 6:25 PM on November 4, 2010 [8 favorites]


I think that would be awesome, and I would like to do this as well. Could you memail me their contact information?
posted by ohsnapdragon at 6:50 PM on November 4, 2010 [1 favorite]


Me too.
posted by hermitosis at 7:06 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too.
posted by you're a kitty! at 7:22 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too.
posted by reductiondesign at 7:25 PM on November 4, 2010


As someone who has lost an election in the past, I can assure you that it would be very much appreciated. If you want an idea of how one feels after getting defeated for reelection, listen to this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3mtsBFe2Us
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:36 PM on November 4, 2010


Great idea!
posted by chara at 7:49 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too.
posted by Mngo at 7:50 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too!
posted by Room 641-A at 8:01 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too.
posted by DrGail at 8:09 PM on November 4, 2010


What a great thing to do!
posted by arse_hat at 8:13 PM on November 4, 2010


Me too.
posted by catlet at 8:23 PM on November 4, 2010


I'd like the information as well, please.
posted by DisreputableDog at 8:42 PM on November 4, 2010


Fabulous idea! Can I get this info too?
posted by nat at 8:42 PM on November 4, 2010


Best answer: The names of the three judges are Marsha Ternus, Michael J. Streit, and David L. Baker.

Presumable mail sent to the court address will be forwarded:

Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
posted by aniola at 9:00 PM on November 4, 2010 [10 favorites]


Thank you so much, aniola!
posted by punchdrunkhistory at 9:25 PM on November 4, 2010


Response by poster: Hey all, thanks for your encouragement. It is good to know that a letter wouldn't be awkward or inappropriate, but rather welcome.

I called the supreme court reception line, and confirmed that aniola's above address is correct. There's no need for a suite number or anything; the judge's name and that address are sufficient. I'll be sending three letters to the three judges, and I'm thrilled that several of you will be doing the same.

Thanks everyone!
posted by Sfving at 9:41 AM on November 5, 2010


If you want an idea of how one feels after getting defeated for reelection, listen to this link.

Mr. Justice, just to be clear: they didn't get defeated for reelection. They failed a no-confidence vote (the first instances since this procedure was legally installed in the '60s).

Which is to say: they lost 0-1 against no one, and that has to sting more.

Off to write letters of thanks...
posted by IAmBroom at 10:21 PM on November 5, 2010


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