This is the second of our new Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary. Warren Circuit Court Judge John A. Rader is our judge featured in this issue. He was first elected as Judge in November 2004 although he served as a Hearing Judge for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana from 1977 until this election. He was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Warren County from 1975 until 1977. Judge Rader served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum from 1999 to 2005.
What do you like most, and least, about being a trial court judge?
Judge Allen Sharp, who practiced in Williamsport, told me when he swore me in that I would like being a judge because it is inside work and there is no heavy lifting. Taking people’s liberty away from them is the thing I like the least.
Why did you decide to study law?
My good friend Dave was in law school and I figured if he could make it through, I could.
What was your major at Indiana University?
Chemistry and physics but remember there were fewer elements on the Periodic Table then.
What would you do if you were not a judge?
Practice law in Williamsport.
What do you like to do when you are not on the bench?
I enjoy being with family and friends, traveling and doing repairs.
Who are the people you most admire?
My wife says that even though I am a legend in my own mind, I should not say myself. Seriously, I work hard at trying to find something admirable in everyone. Being around the judicial family (judicial officers, court personnel, IJC and STAD staff) gives me plenty of people to admire. They can ask me if they are one of them.
What are your favorite books and have you read any recently or reading now that you really like?
I read mostly nonfiction and right now it is ON BEING CERTAIN: Believing You Are Right Even When You’re Not. Earlier, I would probably go with Green Eggs and Ham.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?
The growing up part assumes facts sometimes not in evidence as that is a work in progress. Otherwise, my childhood was idyllic and blessed. My father ran the Tee Pee Restaurant on the Southside of Indianapolis and I spent quite a lot of time there.
Do you have a favorite quote(s)?
There are two things that you shouldn’t see being made, one is sausage and the other is the law.
People who lack a coarse streak, I have discovered, almost always possess a cruel one.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Southern California, where our daughter lives.
What is your favorite meal/recipe/restaurant?
Meal: One with my wife.
Recipe: The next best one.
Restaurant: Central Indiana – Bijou Restaurant in Lebanon
