Disturbing

This was a disturbing legal thriller both because of the subject matter, (the gang rape of an unconscious young woman at a party), and because of the graphic descriptions.
Beyond that, the twist is that the judge who is hearing the case has demons of his own to deal with, since he took part in something similar in university and his guilt is overwhelming him.
He is also dealing with a sick wife and harrassing e-mails.
He asks, "Is a judge disqualified if something in a case reminds him of himself?"
His friend answers, "They're supposed to remind us of ourselves, aren't they, George? Isn't that a quality of mercy?"