Tag: judge

Another Bizarre Court Ruling – Small Claims Auto Accident

"Court Case Friday" The best new judges have experience in the field of law in which they are presiding, and experience in court handling hearings and trials. New judges who lacked such expertise can be a disaster. One of our new judges was a city government official.  He did not practice law, and he had … Continue reading Another Bizarre Court Ruling – Small Claims Auto Accident →

Bizarre Ruling – Judge Outraged by the Officer’s Gun

"Court Case Friday" The best new judges have extensive experience in the field of law in which they are presiding.  They also have major experience in courtroom hearings and trials. New judges who lacked such expertise can be a disaster. As an experienced prosecutor, I was assigned to respond to the defense motion to suppress … Continue reading Bizarre Ruling – Judge Outraged by the Officer’s Gun →

Bizarre Ruling – Judge Orders the Police to Return Illegal Drugs to the Criminals

"Court Case Friday" The best new judges have extensive experience in the field of law in which they are presiding.  They also have major courtroom experience. A new judge who lacks such expertise is a "fish out of water," and can be a disaster. 25 lbs of Marijuana When I was a prosecutor, a new … Continue reading Bizarre Ruling – Judge Orders the Police to Return Illegal Drugs to the Criminals →

“Am I a True Disciple of Christ?”

“Sunday Sermon” True disciples of Jesus "love the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength." His disciples manifest their love for Him by striving to keep His commandments. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." True disciples of Christ "love their neighbors as themselves." His disciples demonstrate their love for Him by loving … Continue reading “Am I a True Disciple of Christ?” →

My Most Embarrassing Moments on the Bench

"Court Case Friday" I try to "act" dignified in my courtroom, especially during jury trials.  Sometimes I fail. Hair Spray for the Throat I was presiding over a very intense and stressful jury trial.  I had a bad sore throat that made it difficult to talk.  During a short recess I rushed to my chambers … Continue reading My Most Embarrassing Moments on the Bench →

My Plea at the Final Judgment: “Guilty” and “I Beg Your Pardon”

"Sunday Sermon" When I am "arraigned" at the Final Judgment, I will enter a plea of “guilty.” I willingly, and publicly, confess that I am a sinner.  However, I will immediately beg for a full pardon. I will say: “Pardon me." Or, "I beg your pardon.” I will not seek commutation.  To "commute” merely reduces … Continue reading My Plea at the Final Judgment: “Guilty” and “I Beg Your Pardon” →

Murderer Represents Himself in a Death Penalty Case

"Court Case Friday" "He who represents himself has a fool for a client." As a D.A. in the 1980s, I handled the pretrial motions on a unique death penalty case. Defendant Willie W. was accused of murdering his father-in-law in order to inherit life insurance. Willie allegedly rigged a tractor-trailer, so the cab would crush … Continue reading Murderer Represents Himself in a Death Penalty Case →

Another harsh sentencing judge

"Court Case Friday" In the “old days” when I was a prosecutor, one of our former old-time Orange County judges gave a criminal a consecutive sentence for each of his dozen serious felonies.   The total was over 300 years. (Such huge consecutive sentences no longer exist under California law.) When the judge imposed the … Continue reading Another harsh sentencing judge →