[gjmarsh]

Yes. In fact the Judge is very deliberate in asking that you want to plead guilty and were not coerced into doing so. At least in Federal Courts they have an entire, what appears to be prepared list of questions they ask just to make sure it is your will.

[Bjartr]

If I understand correctly, it's more a script that gets followed than a genuine inquiry https://www.popehat.com/2017/05/08/the-elaborate-pantomime-o...

[gjmarsh]

Might depend on the Judge. I have witnessed Judges ask "You understand what you are doing, this will never go away, etc". Genuine inquiry to make them comfortable that the defendant knows precisely what they are doing. But you are correct, there is also a scripted line of questioning.

[pdabbadabba]

I can confirm that at least some judges take it seriously. The judge I clerked for paid careful attention every time, looked for nonverbal hints that the defendant had reservations, asked follow-up questions and, in at least one case that I saw, adjourned so that the defendant has more time to think it over and discuss with his lawyer.