6 Vital signs of physical health and well-being During my frequent visits to the doctor, six things always take place. First, they take my weight. Second, they check my blood pressure. (Unfortunately, they take the blood pressure after the trauma of taking my weight.) Third, they take my pulse. Fourth, they check my temperature.Fifth, the doctor … Continue reading 6 “Vital Signs” of Spiritual Health
One of the most stressful things for trial attorneys is the unpredictability of judges. One of the most stressful things for judges is the unpredictable trial attorneys and their clients. Although almost all of my courtroom articles are from my personal experience there is one New York judge, whose unpredictable sentencing hearing, is one of … Continue reading Judge Physically Attacks the Defendant in Court
Most California judges are appointed by the governor. Since I didn’t have the political "juice" for an appointment, I ran an election for an open seat. Thankfully, this was my first and only contested election. Judges come up for re-election every six years. In thirty years, no one ever challenged me. Thanks goodness! (Unfortunately, I … Continue reading My Judicial Campaign and the Quirky Voters
Police Violence and the Rush to Judgment We need to be cautious about rushing to judgment. This is especially true when it involves either a criminal suspect or a police officer. I know a detective who had a very traumatic confrontation was he was a young officer. He was on routine patrol in his black-and-white … Continue reading “Cop Murders Suspect”
(Caution: Mild Adult Content) I had a very entertaining jury trial that completely caught me and the jurors off guard. The defendant was charged with being under the influence of methamphetamine. We had impaneled the jury and the district attorney (DA) called as his first witness, an emergency room nurse. The following dialogue took place: … Continue reading "My Balls Have Exploded"
When criminal defendants appear in my court by themselves, I ask, “Do you have an attorney?” Most defendants request a continuance, so they can hire a lawyer, or they ask me to appoint the public defender to represent them. Occasionally, I get a defendant who stands erect and proudly proclaims, “God is my lawyer!” or … Continue reading “Jesus is My Lawyer”
One of the most traumatic experiences my sister, brother, and I had as children was when we were surrounded by “zombies.” When my mother’s brother became an adult, he exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia with paranoia and delusions of grandeur. He spent years as a patient in the Utah State Hospital in Provo. Afterward, he lived … Continue reading I Was Surrounded by “Zombies”
Just about everyone who knows me well, knows that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most Orange County attorneys who regularly appear in my court know I’m LDS. I was presiding over a driving under the influence (DUI) jury trial. We were selecting the jury. The clerks, bailiff, reporter, … Continue reading The LDS Juror and The Clueless Lawyer
My 27th Great-Great Grandfather is Sir William de Tracy (1135-1189). He is a murderer. He didn’t murder just anyone. As they so, “Go big or go home.” He murdered Saint Thomas Becket the Archbishop of Great Britain. This is one of the most infamous events in British history. It is also a very interesting story. Who Represents God, … Continue reading My Ancestor Murdered the Archbishop of Britain
Vertigo on the Bench One morning I was on the bench with a huge docket of cases. The audience chairs were filled, and the custody cage was full of prisoners. Feeling the back pressure of the caseload I started talking faster and faster. (I was probably hyperventilating.) All of a sudden, I felt light headed and … Continue reading My “Famous” Courtroom Fainting Spell
The London Edition 