NCJ Number
79063
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1981) Pages: 4-9,48-49
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how judges may reduce stress even though their workload keeps increasing.
Abstract
Stress is inherent in the judicial career since judges are expected to perform their functions without asking other colleagues for advice. Other reasons for stress in the judiciary are social isolation, financial pressure, lack of feedback, information and topic overload, and the experience of midlife passage. In addition, a judge has little control over caseload and clientele. The article lists some of the major system-level sources of stress and how they overlap, placing persistent and unnecessary burdens upon judges. Early signs of burnout may include poor memory for recent events, a blunting of sensitivity and empathy for others, an unfounded egocentric self-confidence, a feeling of disconnection from others, general cynicism, and feelings of despondency and pessimism. Physical symptoms may include chronic fatigue, headaches, insomnia, excessive drinking, lowered resistance to infections, and reduced sexual drive. Most authorities on stress and burnout agree that coping measures must include the family, the workplace, and the body. A personal burnout prevention plan is presented, which includes choices of action from four tracks (professional, personal, physical, and administrative). Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of stress variation among different types of judges, such as the rural judge, the urban trial judge, the appellate judge, and chief or presiding justices. A total of 14 references are included.