Biographical Information
- Education: Michigan State University, B.A, Political Philosophy; University of Chicago, J.D.
- Pre-bench Legal Experience: Judicial clerkship, Hon. John Wisdom, U.S. Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, New Orleans, Louisiana; Judicial clerkship, Hon. William Brennan, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court; Civil litigator with appellate specialty, Latham & Watkins, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- Political Affiliation: Democrat
Judicial Experience
Judge Treat was appointed to the bench on October 3, 2005. This is his first appointment.
Recent Publications
Judge Treat recently completed writing a law review article on statutes and rules for collecting attorney’s fees for prevailing parties. 12 JFK L Rev 1 (2009).
Courtroom Policies
Counsel are not required to ask permission to move around in the courtroom unless they are seeking sidebar.
In Limine Motions
Counsel should meet and confer on motions in limine.
Voir Dire
Counsel should remember that the only permissible questions are those reasonably related to challenges for cause.
Jury Instructions
At the misdemeanor level, the judge usually prepares the instructions. Judge Treat does, however, look at lists presented to him. If counsel seek any unusual instruction, they should let him know before the instructions are prepared.
Witnesses
Witnesses are routinely excluded from courtroom when they are not testifying.
Decorum
Keep your tempers and remain civil to all participants. Only one person talks at a time; and if the judge is talking, that’s the one who is talking.
Cameras in the Courtroom
There is a court rule that governs cameras in the courtroom.
Advice
Be prepared and be polite.