THE ROBING ROOM

Judge Minaldi has been a remarkable judge from the criminal defense standpoint. She was a terrific litigator as a prosecutor and many in the 'Federal Family' took for granted that they had one of their own. Her reaction to sloppy or ill prepared prosecutors has thrown many in law enforcement for a loop - she never came to court winging it and doesn't tolerate such behavior from others, regardless of their side of the fence. She has a tremendous courtroom presence and has been extremely fair in sentencing, despite her law enforcement background.