Tom Chick wrote:

Phelan’s role in the story is an example of the power of the judicial branch. It’s a stark contrast to the police, where everyone is plugged into a chain of command, where decisions are often made to curry favor in that chain of command, where things are often done not because they’re right, but because they’re the path of least resistance. A judge isn’t elected; he’s appointed for life so that he isn’t beholden to anyone. It’s a cornerstone of this country’s legal tradition.