Scott Belt sworn in as associate judge for 13th Circuit

MORRIS – After serving as Morris city attorney since 2001, Scott Belt was sworn in as an associate judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit on Friday morning in the historic upstairs courtroom at the Grundy County Courthouse. He took the oath from Chris Ryan, chief judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit.

Before Belt’s swearing-in, Judge Sheldon Sobol, a lifelong friend of Belt’s, said a few words.

“I have known Scott since we went to school in a little two-room schoolhouse on Fremont Avenue,” Sobol said. “When he gets into something, he gets into it. As a kid, he enjoyed photography, and he had his dad, Jerry, build a darkroom in their house. Scott was developing his own pictures when he was 12 years old.

“Then, he decided he wanted to take pictures underwater, so he learned how to scuba dive. And as his friend, I learned what ‘scuba’ stands for: self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. I still remember that because Scott was so into it that he made sure his friends knew.”

Sobol said it is that level of commitment that he feels made Belt the best choice to fill the role of associate judge.

After taking the oath from Ryan, Belt addressed the crowd in the courtroom. He referenced his family, which included his daughters Monica, Jenna and Tara, who were in attendance, along with his wife, Cindy, and daughter Jessica, who were not. Cindy Belt, who is a teacher, was in isolation after being in contact earlier this week with a student who had tested positive for COVID-19.

“This has been an exciting experience for Cindy and myself,” Belt said. “She was crushed when she found out she couldn’t be here, as was I. She is not only my wife of more than 30 years, but my partner, my best friend, and I am sorry she’s not here. She’s participating on FaceTime, so thank God for FaceTime.”

Belt went on to say he was humbled to see so many family, friends and former clients in the courtroom.

“It’s times like this that I realize that 30 years I have poured into my private practice have actually been worthwhile,” he said. “It’s been not so much serving the profession but, more importantly, to create lasting relationships. A lot of folks here I have been representing for close to 30 years, including my video guy [Morris Mayor Richard Kopczick].

“Our judiciary has much talent and experience. My hope in accepting this appointment is to complement their experience. The 13th Judicial Circuit has 13 judges, and I am now honored to be among my colleagues. I am excited to have a chance to be able to work for the judiciary, and I see it as a continuing opportunity to serve the public and to make the community a better place to work and live.”

Belt then spoke about justice.

“Justice is a solemn goal of any judge,” he said. “That is to provide and protect anyone who enters your courtroom. Justice requires taking into account all the facts and applying the law. But, most importantly, it provides for giving each person their day in court, an opportunity to be heard, a fundamental foundation of due process recognized by our Constitution.

“One of the best symbols is the lady of justice. I am sure you have all seen her. Blindfolded, holding a scale in her left hand and a sword in her right hand. This has been a symbol of justice used dating back to the 16th century.

“Of course, the lady is blindfolded. The blindfold symbolizes the impartiality of the law and that it doesn’t let outside influences impact the decision. The scales represent the obligation of the finding of fact to weigh the evidence presented in court. The finder of fact must look at everything in order to come to a fair and impartial decision. The sword symbolizes enforcement and respect and that justice stands by its ruling. The double-edged blade of the sword signifies that justice can cut both ways, that the court is bound to enforce its ruling as well as defend and protect the innocent party.”

Belt said he intended to place a statue of Lady Justice in his chambers as a daily reminder of the duty he has as a judge, that justice is blind and that all evidence must be considered to reach an impartial decision.

He also said he already has picked out a gavel, which was made by his grandfather. His grandfather was a Presbyterian minister who also enjoyed woodworking and especially came to enjoy making gavels.

“I selected one of his gavels,” he said. “I distinctly remember seeing it and playing with it as a child. It has dents all over it. I thought it would be an appropriate one to use because it was made by him and, as a minister, I have no doubt that he put humility and compassion into his effort to make that gavel. I wish to use it as a reminder of the humility and compassion that went into making it.”

He went on to say that all judges have different personalities but that common traits run through them.

“History has shown us that the quality characteristics of judicial temperament are the same. Patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, compassion, humility, honesty and a dedication to public service. I am also reminded that there is no such thing as an unimportant case. I realize that every person that comes before me will consider their case important. It doesn’t matter how big or small.”

He finished by saying he is excited to get started, as he had a hearing already scheduled for later Friday afternoon before thanking those in the courtroom and the judges of the 13th Judicial Circuit for placing their trust in him.