Judge Krista Marx - December 9, 2010

"Who are you when no one is looking?" was the question posed by Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Krista Marx during her opening comments to the upper school student body assembled in the campus gymnasium at the December 9 Leadership Lecture Series presentation.

The Honorable Judge Marx shared the wisdom of her experience presiding over criminal cases in the 15th Judicial Circuit. "I've seen plenty of people who have made bad choices," she said. But it is important to understand that people aren't necessarily evil. For whatever reasons, they have made bad choices."

Judge Marx, whose career includes serving as a prosecuting attorney, as well as presiding over cases in the Palm Beach County Drug Court, has helped to spearhead programs in the criminal justice system for mental health and substance abuse treatment. "We don't always start our even," she said. "It is choice, not chance, that determines our destiny."

Judge Marx offered three traits that help guide her decisions in the courtroom: compassion with humility, courage, and responsibility. "These traits will help guide you not only in your careers, but in your personal life as well," she said.

Judge marks also provided an overview of the criminal justice system and fielded questions from the audience following her presentation. "You have been given much opportunity," she said. "Strive to be humble in your daily living."

In her final comments, Judge Marx encouraged the audience to do what is right, not what is popular or easy. "If you remember that, you will know what to do, even when no one is looking."