Judge Rothwax is a New York City judge with a reputation for being difficult, cantankerous, and exacting. Sonia wins him over by promising to be ready for trial on a short timeline, so she doesn’t suffer as other lawyers do—he once puts a defense lawyer in jail for preventing a trial from starting. He’s known by various epithets that suggest he’s evil, but he’s wildly intelligent and has an excellent memory. Part of his reputation comes from a controversial book he wrote in which he proposed abolishing rules that he thinks hinder prosecutors and police. He came to these views after he became disillusioned in his earlier career as a civil rights advocate. Though Sonia disagrees with some of his views and dislikes what she refers to as his “Prince of Darkness persona,” he mentors her and shows her what it’s like to be a judge.
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Judge Rothwax Character Timeline in My Beloved World
The timeline below shows where the character Judge Rothwax appears in My Beloved World. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 21
Sonia meets Judge Rothwax while he’s throwing a fit about a delayed case. He warms to her instantly when...
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Chapter 23
...come around to Sonia. Sonia sells her wedding ring to pay for the divorce, and Judge Rothwax immediately uses Sonia’s maiden name when asked and corrects anyone who doesn’t.
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Chapter 25
...They decide to file to try all of them together. Sonia makes the case to Judge Rothwax and he agrees to let Sonia prosecute the 11 incidents in one trial—proof, Sonia believes,...
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