When most people think about the justice system, they imagine big-city courthouses, high-profile cases, and rows of suited attorneys battling over complex legal matters. What they don’t always picture is the smaller county courtroom—the one with creaky benches, a staff that knows everyone by name, and a judge who might also coach Little League or sing in the church choir.

But for those of us who’ve served in these rural or small-town settings, we know the truth: the heart of justice often beats loudest in the smallest places.

I’ve had the privilege of serving as a public defender, magistrate, and judge in Warrick County, Indiana. My time on the bench—along with my continued work as an attorney—has shown me just how important local judicial integrity is to the people we serve. Small-town judges play a vital role not just in interpreting the law, but in building community trust, ensuring fairness, and holding the system accountable from the inside out.

A Familiar Face with Serious Responsibility

In a smaller county, the judge isn’t just a legal figure. They’re a neighbor. They might be someone you see at the grocery store, at your kids’ soccer game, or leading a local nonprofit meeting. That familiarity can be a blessing—but also a serious responsibility.

When the people in your courtroom know who you are outside the robe, your decisions carry weight beyond the law. They reflect your character, your consistency, and your respect for the people you serve. Every ruling—no matter how small—becomes a chance to either build or break trust.

That’s why integrity is everything. In communities where relationships run deep and news travels fast, judges must be transparent, impartial, and principled. You don’t get to hide behind anonymity or distance. Your work speaks directly to your values—and people pay attention.

More Than Just a Gavel

Being a small-town judge isn’t just about making rulings. It’s about creating a courtroom environment where everyone feels they’ve been heard, whether they’re coming in for a traffic ticket or a felony case. In places like Chrisney or Boonville, people may be walking into court for the very first time in their lives. They might not understand the process. They might be scared. They might feel like the system is stacked against them.

It’s the judge’s job to change that narrative.

A judge with integrity doesn’t just uphold the law—they explain it. They take time to listen. They treat each person with dignity, regardless of income, background, or charge. They recognize the human side of every case and try to balance justice with understanding.

In small towns, this personal approach matters. It helps people see the courtroom not as a place of punishment, but as a place of resolution and accountability. That shift can make all the difference, especially when it comes to youth offenders, family cases, or those struggling with addiction.

Holding the System Accountable

One thing that sets small-town courts apart is how visible the entire legal process is. There are fewer layers of bureaucracy, fewer rotating faces, and fewer distractions. This makes it easier to spot when something’s not right—and to fix it.

Whether it’s a gap in mental health services, a backlog in family court, or an outdated policy, judges in smaller counties often have a clearer view of what’s working and what’s not. And because of the close-knit nature of the community, they also have a stronger voice to advocate for change.

When I served on the bench, I saw firsthand how a single decision could influence not just the person in front of me, but the system as a whole. Whether that meant recommending someone for a drug treatment program instead of jail, or ensuring a victim’s voice was truly heard in court, the ripple effect of small decisions was enormous.

Judicial integrity isn’t just about doing what’s right when people are watching—it’s about standing up for justice even when it’s inconvenient, unpopular, or difficult. And in a small-town court, there’s nowhere to hide from those choices.

Judges as Community Leaders

Perhaps most importantly, small-town judges aren’t just legal authorities—they’re community leaders. People look to them for guidance, clarity, and example. They help shape the tone of public discourse. They influence how laws are perceived and respected.

When a judge leads with fairness and humility, it inspires others in the justice system—from prosecutors to public defenders to law enforcement—to do the same. When they engage with the community outside the courtroom, it builds a bridge between legal authority and public service.

That’s why I’ve always believed in staying involved—through civic committees, youth sports, and volunteer work. Because the role of a judge doesn’t stop at the courtroom door. It extends into every space where people need to know that justice isn’t just a word—it’s a principle we all live by.

Beyond The Bench

In big cities, judges may shape policy. But in small towns, judges shape people’s lives—sometimes in the most personal, powerful ways. That’s why judicial integrity matters so much, especially in places where everyone knows your name and your reputation is built case by case, moment by moment.

For me, the time I spent on the bench wasn’t about prestige or power. It was about serving my community with honesty, fairness, and compassion. It was about proving that justice can be local, personal, and deeply meaningful.

So the next time someone talks about the justice system, remind them: it doesn’t just live in Washington or Indianapolis. It lives in our counties, our courtrooms, and our communities—where small-town judges help keep it honest, transparent, and true.