Beyond the Bench is a monthly feature to get to know more about judges and justices in Illinois, beyond their legal duties.
Name: Joshua Dieden
Title: Associate Judge
Circuit or Judicial District: 18th
Judicial Circuit
What is your favorite Valentine’s Day candy?
Any chocolate from Graham’s Fine Chocolates.
In your opinion, what’s the best romantic comedy of all time?
Groundhog Day. Although it is a great romantic comedy, it is also deeply philosophical. Through living the same day over and over, Bill Murray’s character evolves and realizes the best way to live a fulfilling life is to self-reflect, strive to improve yourself, learn from your mistakes, be humble, develop new skills, have compassion for and take time to help others, live in the present, and make the most of every day. These are valuable lessons for all of us, and judges in particular.
Pick one: box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers?
See the answer to #1 above.
What was your first date? What is your ideal date now?
I never kiss and tell.
What do you prefer when talking to friends and family – calling or texting?
Calling. Texting can be impersonal and susceptible to misinterpretation because it lacks tone and emotion.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
The signing of the Declaration of Independence. It would be fascinating to observe all those great minds and personalities together in one room, establishing the foundational principles of our democracy.
If you could ask your future self one thing, what would it be?
Is Keith Richards still alive?