Judge DeSalvo Character Analysis in My Sister’s Keeper

Judge DeSalvo is the judge presiding over Anna’s case. A few years before the events of the novel, Judge DeSalvo’s 12-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. This tragedy initially makes Campbell worried that Judge DeSalvo will not be able to be impartial during Anna’s case, as he speculates that the prospect of Kate’s death will remind him of his own loss. However, Judge DeSalvo consistently works to keep things impartial, assigning Anna a guardian ad litem when he sees her struggling with her decisions. He also discourages Sara from talking to Anna about the case. In the end, he rules in Anna’s favor, granting her medical emancipation from her parents.

Judge DeSalvo Character Timeline in My Sister’s Keeper

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

...joy that this tragedy did not happen to you.” One of these victims is Dena DeSalvo, someone Campbell knew: she was the 12-year-old daughter of Judge DeSalvo, who has now been... (full context)

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

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

Anna meets with Judge DeSalvo in his office. He gives her a Coke and tells her a fun fact about... (full context)

Anna tries to hold it together, but the sight of Judge DeSalvo drinking apple juice brings up a memory of Kate in the hospital. A snotty nurse... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo tells Anna that no hospital will take her organ without her consent, but Anna argues... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo tells Campbell and Sara that he’ll be appointing a guardian ad litem to spend two... (full context)

Julia gets a call from Judge DeSalvo, who asks her if she’s available to act as a guardian ad litem. Julia became... (full context)

...the hospital. She tells Julia that the whole thing is a misunderstanding and that Judge DeSalvo will be saying the same thing soon. Julia, seeing Anna’s reluctance to speak up, realizes... (full context)

...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 litem... (full context)

...she doesn’t want to do any of this anymore. Julia goes to talk to Judge DeSalvo. Brian asks Anna if she meant it, but Anna doesn’t answer. He continues, telling her... (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 Julia... (full context)

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

...would do if he had to give up his car, a Porsche, to save Judge DeSalvo’s life, simply because a lawyer decided this was the case. The doctor scoffs at this,... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo calls a second recess. Anna goes to follow Campbell out of the courtroom when she... (full context)

...he’s scheduled to testify, but his job needs him immediately. He gets permission from Judge DeSalvo to leave, and when he leaves, he’s immediately bombarded with journalists. He struggles to keep... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo calls for a 10-minute recess before Sara cross-examines Brian. Campbell and Anna go downstairs, where... (full context)

...won’t testify given her lack of commitment. Campbell asks Julia what she’s going to tell DeSalvo, and she asks him if he's asking for Anna’s sake or his own. She tells... (full context)

...show that donor children have high self-esteem. Campbell doesn’t buy any of this, but Judge DeSalvo and Julia seem engaged. Sara asks if Anna can make her own medical decisions, and... (full context)

...nobody in the family has the ability to make unbiased decisions about Anna’s care. Judge DeSalvo asks what her recommendation is. (full context)

...didn’t want to be a donor. Judge is running all around the courtroom, causing Judge DeSalvo to threaten to remove him, but Campbell ignores both, focusing on Anna. He asks her... (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 brings... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo decides the hearing parties should go see Kate. When they get to her room, she... (full context)

Judge DeSalvo emerges, tells everyone that closing will be the next morning, then leaves. Campbell offers to... (full context)

...the weather. Campbell says it’s good weather for court, but in reality, he’s dreading Judge DeSalvo’s verdict—not because he’s worried about losing, but because he wants to do right by Anna... (full context)

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