I have been bemused by the ongoing debate in the social media whether America is a “Democracy” or a “Republic”? Naturally, “Democrats” argue for a “Democracy,” and “Republicans” argue for a “Republic.” “I pledge allegiance ... to the Republic for which is stands.” Both sides are right, and both sides are wrong. America is neither … Continue reading America: Democracy or Republic?
The "Comfort Dog" Runs Amok in the Courtroom A woman came to court carrying a chiwawa “comfort dog.” Our security screeners are hesitant to turn bogus “comfort dogs” away because of liability under the American Disabilities Act. However, the screeners should have alerted my court bailiff and clerks that she was on her way to my … Continue reading Even More “Eccentric” Criminals
"We don't catch the smart ones." “Dumb and Dumber” and “Dumbest” Under California’s “three strikes” law at the time, if a defendant committed two serious or violent felonies in the past, if he commits a new felony, no matter how minor, he faces a mandatory 25 years to life in prison. (Some California DA’s Offices … Continue reading More Entertaining Dumb Criminals
The Native American Indians tell the tale of a tribal elder teaching his grandson: “There are two wolves inside every person, one good and one evil. They are constantly fighting for dominance, to see which one will win. Grandson, which wolf will win.” “I don’t know grandfather.” “The one you feed.” That is the story … Continue reading Benedict Arnold: From American War Hero to Traitor to Enemy
The Traffic Trial with the Vow of Silence Occasionally, I am “forced” to handle traffic court trials. I do not like these kinds of cases. The defendant’s frequently lie, slander the officer, and refuse to accept responsibility for their own conduct. I would much rather deal with “real” criminals, who are more generally more honest … Continue reading More Very “Eccentric” Criminals
The founding fathers and mothers recognized the victory at Saratoga as a turning point in the Revolutionary War. They considered this miraculous victory as further evidence of Divine Providence. One of the most important victories of the entire war was the famous Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. This battle was pivotal to the success … Continue reading Miracle at Saratoga
The Dumb Defendant Destroys his Defense (Too many alliterations?) One year, a man came to rob a gas station mini-mart. He walked up to the counter, put his hand in his pants pocket under his untucked shirt, and said to the cashier, “I have a gun, give me all your money.” The young cashier was … Continue reading More Entertaining Stupid Criminals
Little Bo Peep Comes to Court I was presiding over the high-volume misdemeanor arraignment calendar when a middle-aged woman came into my courtroom dressed like Little Bo Peep. She had a tall white wig, and she wore a white floor length gown. She wore a light blue bow on her head, and she had a matching … Continue reading Very “Eccentric” Criminals
When I started teaching my Advanced Constitutional Law Class on Law and Religion, I had no idea about the volume of issues and cases involved. There was enough material to quickly fill my 750-page textbook, “Religion and Law: Cases and Materials.” Moreover, there was enough new information that, after ten years, I was on my … Continue reading Don’t Take Grandma’s Ashes to School
My wife was chairman of our ward (congregation) activities committee. She was also nine months pregnant with our fourth child. The ward social was scheduled on the same day our baby was due. Our third child was delivered by the paramedics on a neighbor’s apartment floor because we waited too long to go to the hospital. We learned our … Continue reading We Poisoned Our Congregation – Literally
The London Edition 