(Post Script to previous article: "Extreme Spite: Man spent 19 years in a Israeli prison rather than agree to a divorce.") This phrase "cutting off one's nose to spite one's face," means “to do something that is meant to harm someone else, but also harms the person who does it.” The suggested origin of this … Continue reading Origin of: “Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face”
“Spite”: "deliberately trying to hurt someone, even when there is nothing to gain, and even when it involves harm to self." Ultra-Orthodox Wedding Orthodox Wedding In 1986, a Jewish couple were married in an orthodox ceremony is Israel. They were married for nine years, and they had four children together. Marriage Nightmare The husband was … Continue reading “Extreme Spite” — The Man Who Willfully Spent 19 Years in an Israeli Prison Rather Than Agree to Divorce
"I read him the riot act," means "a stern reprimand or warning of consequences." Riots of 2020 In 2020, the gatherings in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis, turned to into violence and looting. At some point the police make the announcement: “This has been declared a riot. Disperse immediately or you will be arrested.” The crowd … Continue reading Recent Riots & History of “Read the Riot Act”
“Then one of them, which was a lawyer asked [Jesus] a question, tempting him, saying Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" (v. 35) Significantly, the question was asked by a lawyer. Lawyers are experts in the law. They are masters of entrapping people through cross-examination. This lawyer was not asking Jesus a … Continue reading Christ’s Greatest Miracle – Silencing the Lawyers (Matthew 22:35-46)
I have always tried to treat others with kindness and respect. This applies in my courtroom. Sometimes, attorneys, litigants, or criminal defendants mistake my kindness for weakness, and I quickly convince them otherwise. There are many reasons why I try to treat others, even accused criminals, with decency. It is part of my innate … Continue reading I was Confronted in Public by a Gang Member I had Sentenced
After he sacrificed everything for the success of the Revolution, his loyalty was maligned because he was a Jew. One little known hero of the American Revolution was Haym Salomon. He was a financial hero, who sacrificed everything for the cause of liberty. Revolutions and their armies cost money. The poor thirteen colonies were going … Continue reading Jewish Hero of the American Revolution: Haym Salomon
Serving as a judge has certain advantages. I win all the arguments. I always get the last word. And, in my courtroom, unlike at home, people treat me with respect -- sometimes too much respect. I once had a young adult prisoner from Bangladesh. I showed him his guilty plea form and inquired: Judge: "Did … Continue reading “Your Honor” or “Your Majesty”
In our prayers, we often ask God to: “Make it rain.” “Stop the rain.” “Stop the draught.”“Stop the flood.” “Heal the sick.”“Bless the refreshments.” “Bless the sick and afflicted.”And on and on .... Sometimes we treat God like our butler, errand boy, or cosmic concierge. We constantly ask Him for "favors" and "blessings." We often ask Him to … Continue reading God is Not Our Butler!
I was presiding over at a felony preliminary hearing of a case where a SWAT team executed one of my search warrants. The team leader testified that his men wore tactical gear and body armor. When they were ready to force entry, they covered their faces with “baklavas.” Baklava “Baklava” is a Greek pastry. It is … Continue reading SWAT Team Leader Testified His Men Covered Their Faces with Greek Pastries to Hide their Identity
After my first year of law school, I returned to Orange County for the summer to earn money for the next school year. I got a job driving taxis for Yellow Cab of Anaheim. I drove a yellow checker cab 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. My shift started at 4:00 pm and … Continue reading My Summer Driving Taxi: Emergency Medical Transport
The London Edition 