Judge Character Analysis in My Sister’s Keeper

Judge is Campbell’s service dog, specifically a German Shepherd. For much of the novel, Campbell refuses to tell anyone Judge’s specific purpose, but after Campbell has a seizure in court, it’s revealed that Judge is a seizure dog. Judge can sense when Campbell is going to have a seizure about 20 minutes in advance and, when Campbell seizes, is trained to assist him in order to prevent any injuries. Judge goes with Campbell everywhere; any time he gets agitated, it’s a clue that Campbell is close to having a seizure.

Judge Character Timeline in My Sister’s Keeper

The timeline below shows where the character Judge appears in My Sister’s Keeper. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...reaches out to pet it, and Campbell immediately tells her not to because the dog, Judge, is a service dog. Anna points out that Campbell isn’t blind; Campbell sarcastically thanks her... (full context)

...calls as often. He lies to her about having to go to court and takes Judge to Rosie’s, a coffee shop full of eccentric patrons. A server comes to his table... (full context)

...of these victims is Dena DeSalvo, someone Campbell knew: she was the 12-year-old daughter of Judge DeSalvo, who has now been assigned to Anna’s case. Campbell worries that a judge who... (full context)

Campbell arrives at the courthouse and—after deflecting a bailiff’s curiosity about Judge—finds Sara, Brian, and Anna. Sara is arguing with a clerk, who refuses to let her... (full context)

Campbell enters Judge DeSalvo’s chambers. The judge briefly asks about Judge, but Campbell quickly moves past it after... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo asks Campbell when he last spoke with his client. When Campbell answers that she... (full context)

...his temper but seems to talk the principal out of litigation. He looks down at Judge, asleep, and thinks back to a moment when he and Julia watched a puppy together.... (full context)

Julia asks about Judge and attempts to pet him before Campbell tells her that he’s a service dog. Before... (full context)

...abruptly leaving. When he claims he left due to an “emergency,” she asks again what Judge is for; he doesn’t answer. Instead, he comes inside and tells her that he visited... (full context)

...asks him how he knows where she went to law school, and he lies that Judge DeSalvo told him. He says that he never expected her to become a guardian ad... (full context)

Campbell talks to the reporters outside the courthouse, then heads to Judge DeSalvo’s chambers, where the judge asks him to explain the restraining order. Campbell explains that... (full context)

...to talk to him, but she helps Sara leave the building out the back first. Judge nudges Campbell, who attempts to leave, but Julia confronts him about filing the restraining order.... (full context)

Julia asks Campbell about Judge; Campbell tells her that he translates for Campbell’s Spanish-speaking clients. Julia expresses irritation at his... (full context)

...When Anna describes the car, a yellow Humvee, Campbell realizes that it belongs to a Judge Newbell. Exasperated, Campbell goes to talk to the desk sergeant, who agrees to talk to... (full context)

...the hook. He bargains with the prosecutor, Bruce, promising that Jesse will never get near Judge Newbell or his car again if his traffic misdemeanors are erased. Bruce, who is currently... (full context)

...is honest. Campbell claims that he never lied about anything, and she asks him what Judge is for. He kisses her, and the two begin to undress. (full context)

...with, whom he has always slipped away from, he wants to stay with Julia longer—but Judge whines, and he knows that he has to get up. He does so, getting dressed... (full context)

...him deaf in his left ear, which makes certain aspects of life more difficult. Thus, Judge serves as Campbell’s ears. He tells her that he hides it because he doesn’t want... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo is displeased by Campbell and Anna being late, but Campbell makes up an excuse... (full context)

As the hearing begins, Campbell gives an opening statement (much to the chagrin of Judge DeSalvo). He tells the court that Anna has undergone medical treatments for the sake of... (full context)

When Julia gets to the courthouse, Judge runs to her and drags her over to Campbell, who is arguing loudly with Anna... (full context)

Judge jumps on Campbell, drawing the latter’s attention to Julia. She tells him that he shouldn’t... (full context)

Campbell feels confident that Julia isn’t going to veto his petition. At his side, Judge is frantically tugging at his coat, but Campbell ignores him. Julia answers the judge and... (full context)

...it would be if Dr. Neaux married him. He backs away while she’s still smiling. Judge is extremely agitated; Campbell tells him to calm down and begins questioning Anna. He asks... (full context)

Campbell asks Anna if she ever told anyone she didn’t want to be a donor. Judge is running all around the courtroom, causing Judge DeSalvo to threaten to remove him, but... (full context)

Brian takes care of Campbell through his grand mal seizure with the help of Judge, who brings him a bite block to ensure that Campbell doesn’t bite his own tongue.... (full context)

Campbell comes to. Brian helps him to Judge DeSalvo’s quarters and explains that he had a seizure. Campbell has wet himself, so Brian... (full context)

As Julia walks towards Campbell, he wearily tells her that Judge is a seizure dog. She tells him that she figured as much. Julia asks why... (full context)

...to talk privately. He apologizes to her about what happened, and she asks him about Judge. He explains that Judge can sense his seizures coming, which usually gives him about 20... (full context)

During a recess, Campbell takes Judge for a walk in a little bit of greenspace by the courthouse. A little boy... (full context)

Court reconvenes for Judge DeSalvo to give his verdict. He muses about how Kate’s livelihood and Anna’s quality of... (full context)