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Dictionary definition of “black-robe disease”

black-robe disease

n. (of a judge) an arrogant attitude. Also black robe syndrome. Subjects: English, Law, Slang

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Citations: 1990 John Makeig Houston Chronicle (Texas) (Sept. 30) “4 judges opposed for criminal courts” p. 1: Mike has a better-than-the-rest-of-you attitude.…He’s a pompous elitist with black-robe disease. He’s got a God complex. 1991 Bruce Vielmetti St. Petersburg Times (Florida) (Jan. 7) “Welcome to Judging 101” p. 1: I hope that I don’t forget all the things I’ve learned, what I like and don’t like in a judge. I hope I don’t get the black robe syndrome, where you suddenly think you’re a little smarter, because you’re not. 2006 Meghan Gordon, Kate Moran Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana) (June 25) “Judge known for wit, charm”: If some judges adopt the starchy demeanor and arrogant air that lawyers jokingly refer to as “black-robe disease,” Tom Porteous rarely surrendered his easygoing ways in two decades as a state and federal jurist.

Posted 12 Jul 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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