GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Ingham County judge who presided over Larry Nassar's sentencing was honored at an International Women's Day event in Grand Rapids Friday.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who gained national attention when she allowed more than 150 survivors and their family members speak atNassar's sentencing, a shared her story with a crowd at 20 Monroe Live.
Before her speech, she told 24 Hour News 8 how she uses her place in the courtroom to heal victims and defendants who walk through her door.
"I think being a female judge, I use my powers as a good witch, not a bad witch," she said. "I know that we have black robes and and we have gavels that are really seen as punishers but I think we as female judges, and especially myself because I don't generally talk for other judges, but for myself, it's one of empowering others, using my robe to elevate others. To say, 'You can do this and you matter.' And I think that's really important, giving people a voice, telling them that they matter. And when they hear it from someone in power, that is the best way we can use our power, especially as judges."
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