The Crystal Gavel: How I Put My Heart into the Body of the Law

by Sue Cochrane, Mick Cochrane (Editor)

How a family court judge, wounded and nearly broken by childhood trauma, brought compassion and love, wholeness and healing, to those in her courtroom-and to herself. "Rarely do I encounter a memoir so powerful and inspiring. Sue's story reminds us of our potential to awaken through life's most heartbreaking challenges . . . and to navigate with compassion, dignity, and grace." - Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance When Sue Cochrane was appointed to the family court bench in Minneapolis, she was uncomfortable being elevated to a judge's seat above the people in her courtroom. She felt a deep kinship with those who appeared before her, often poor, some struggling with addiction and domestic violence and abuse, too often intimidated and confused by an unfeeling and unnecessarily complex legal system. The Crystal Gavel tells the story of Sue's journey from a childhood marked by poverty, alcoholism, and violence, through her own recovery and healing, to her quest to humanize the courts and to afford all people a genuine and dignified hearing. It describes how Sue With vivid and unforgettable stories, told with clarity and humor and tremendous generosity of spirit, The Crystal Gavel affirms the power of love to heal our brokenness

236 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2023

Reviews

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading The Crystal Gavel in two sittings. The stories, some of which I’d been privileged to read earlier drafts of, reminded me of Sue's resiliency, her humor, her intellect, her kindness, and her many, many talents. I miss my dear friend, but am grateful her brother Mick, made the print version a reality.

If you weren't lucky enough to know Sue, I invite you to read this so you can meet an extraordinary person who firmly believed everyone deserved to be heard.

[Jane Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great memoir. It's very honest and heroic, and clearly written. I would highly recommend this book for the lessons in resiliency and compassion.