Randy D. Singer The Judge Who Stole Christmas

The Judge Who Stole Christmas

Randy D. Singer

WaterBrook, Oct 2005, $10.95

ISBN: 1400070570

The ACLU filed in federal court that Possum, Virginia was violating the separation between State and Church with its annual Nativity gala. Resident Thomas Hammond who plays Joseph in the Manger show, is subpoenaed to appear in the Norfolk Federal Courthouse. The University legal aid clinic assigns law student Jasmine "Jazz" Woodfaulk to "represent" Thomas in the courtroom, though he is only a witness. Federal Judge Cynthia "Ichabod" Baker-Cline rules that the annual live Possum, Virginia nativity scene in the town square is unconstitutional. Thomas Hammond and his wife who play Joseph and Mary in the gala ignore the ruling, as he is irate that the government will not allow the celebration of Christmas. For disobeying the court order, Thomas is held in contempt and jailed.

The case soon receives national media attention, as the TV and radio talk shows focus on Thomas spending prison time for his beliefs in honoring the nativity, as more sensational to the media than the wider issue of separation of state and church vs. religious freedom.

With the recent Supreme Court rulings on this topic, THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS is a timely insightful look at the Constitution, and the interpretation of the issue of public support to a particular religious theme. The storyline grips the audience once the case comes before the Ichabod, as readers obtain a deep understanding of the issues. Though the climax is perhaps a bit too smooth, fans of tales that dig deep into deep constitutional, religious, and social issues, will appreciate this fine legal thriller.