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Monday, October 15, 2007

Ind. Courts - Feature story on Adams Circuit Judge Fred A. Schurger

The Decatur Daily Democrat has a very long story by Libbie Adams; here are some quotes:

Few people have an opportunity to experience the populace of their community in quite the same way as Decatur Judge, Fred A. Schurger.

From his position on the bench of the Adams Circuit Court, he daily witnesses the full gamut of human emotions. The highs and lows of a job that he says is "gut wrenching" at times.

Schurger was indoctrinated into the law profession at a very early age. Both his mother and father were attorneys — as are an uncle, his sister, and his sister's daughter. So it was no big surprise when he also chose law as a career. * * *

In August of 1999, circuit court Judge Lorren Caffee left the bench — and the country — and Schurger was appointed to replace him. "I had always wanted to become a judge, but only if I was appointed," he said. "The other attorneys reached a consensus and I took the bench on August 2. I took an oath to God to follow the law and I try my best not to violate that — even though sometimes I might not agree personally with a particular law and it leaves me shaking my head. When I came into this job, I felt I was pretty certain of what I was doing. But it was six years before I became aware of what is and isn't, and I'm still becoming educated."

All juvenile cases come before the circuit court judge, and Schurger admits it's not always easy to leave his work at the office. He genuinely cares about the kids who come into his courtroom. "There are a lot of delinquency cases, varying from disobedience and alcohol, to robbery and vandalism," Schurger said. "That's why I try so hard to deliver the message to kids that the most precious thing they can do is get an education. Public education is free in this country through the 12th grade. That's a marvelous thing, and I want them to take advantage of it."

Schurger says the child abuse cases are his hardest. "They take a piece of your soul," he said. "And the sentencing does, too. I have to exercise discretion, to evaluate the facts and make a decision that will have a bearing on everyone involved. The child custody cases are difficult, as well.

"As the judge, I'm kept in an ivory tower, so to speak. I don't know the whole story until it is told to me in the courtroom. People don't understand why they can't call me on the phone and tell me their side of things. But that wouldn't be fair to the other side. I have to remain objective. In deciding the custody of children, I have to consider that there might be underlying issues, and I'm concerned that I may not always get the full story. I have to consider what is in the best interest of the children. Who should raise the baby? Child custody fights raise animosity to dangerous levels, at times. It's never easy." * * *

In August of 1999, circuit court Judge Lorren Caffee left the bench — and the country — and Schurger was appointed to replace him. "I had always wanted to become a judge, but only if I was appointed," he said. "The other attorneys reached a consensus and I took the bench on August 2. I took an oath to God to follow the law and I try my best not to violate that — even though sometimes I might not agree personally with a particular law and it leaves me shaking my head. When I came into this job, I felt I was pretty certain of what I was doing. But it was six years before I became aware of what is and isn't, and I'm still becoming educated."

All juvenile cases come before the circuit court judge, and Schurger admits it's not always easy to leave his work at the office. He genuinely cares about the kids who come into his courtroom. "There are a lot of delinquency cases, varying from disobedience and alcohol, to robbery and vandalism," Schurger said. "That's why I try so hard to deliver the message to kids that the most precious thing they can do is get an education. Public education is free in this country through the 12th grade. That's a marvelous thing, and I want them to take advantage of it."

Schurger says the child abuse cases are his hardest. "They take a piece of your soul," he said. "And the sentencing does, too. I have to exercise discretion, to evaluate the facts and make a decision that will have a bearing on everyone involved. The child custody cases are difficult, as well.

"As the judge, I'm kept in an ivory tower, so to speak. I don't know the whole story until it is told to me in the courtroom. People don't understand why they can't call me on the phone and tell me their side of things. But that wouldn't be fair to the other side. I have to remain objective. In deciding the custody of children, I have to consider that there might be underlying issues, and I'm concerned that I may not always get the full story. I have to consider what is in the best interest of the children. Who should raise the baby? Child custody fights raise animosity to dangerous levels, at times. It's never easy."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on October 15, 2007 03:36 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts