Wearing the Robe The Art and Responsibilities of Judging in Today's Courts Judge James P. Gray

Softcover ISBN-10: 978-0-7570-0310-3 Price: $19.95 US Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-7570-0242-7 Price: $28.95 US Length: 336 Pages Size: 6 X 9-inch Category: Law/Practical Guide Availability: August 2008 Contents Reviews

What do Hammurabi, Solomon, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. have in common? They all presided as judges, relying on a precise understanding of the law to mete out justice. But beyond this ideal, every judge must also understand certain protocols relating to judging. Unfortunately, there is no real handbook for a practicing judge--or there wasn't, until now.

Written by Judge James P. Gray, Wearing the Robe bridges the gap between an understanding of the law and the day-to-day realities of being a judge. The author addresses a range of important topics, examining how judges obtain and refine their skills, how they prepare for the job of making decisions, what restrictions are placed on their personal lives, how they can preside effectively over judicial calendars, and more. Throughout, personal insights and practical tips add to the firm foundation of knowledge.

Whether you are new to a judicial position or you are simply fascinated by the workings of our judicial system, Wearing the Robe provides a unique look at the art and responsibilities of being a judge.

James P. Gray received his undergraduate degree from UCLA in 1966, and his law degree from USC in 1971. Between college and law school he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica. After graduation, Judge Gray was a staff judge advocate and criminal defense attorney in the US Navy JAG Corps. Later experience included several years as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, and private practice in civil litigation. The author has been a trial court judge in Orange County, California, since 1983, and has received numerous awards for his legal and civic activities.

Contents

Introduction

Part I: Getting to Know the Judge's World--From Our Founding Fathers to Our Current Court Systems
1. The History and Continuing Evolution of Our Judicial System
2. The Criminal Court System
3. The Civil Court System
4. "Relationship" Calendars
5. Additional Important Judicial Calendars
6. Trials, from Start to Finish
7. Skills and Strategies for Settlement Conferences and Sentence Negotiations

Part II: Living the Life of an Effective Judge--From Obtaining the Title to Handling the Attention and Responsibilities
8. How to Become a Judge, and Why You Would Want to Under the Ethical
9. The Attributes of Good and Effective Judges
10. The Public Life of a Judge
Conclusion--Where the Judicial System Goes From Here

Appendices
1. Sample Trial Note-Taking Contractions and Symbols
2. Chart of State Requirements for Becoming a Judge
3. Sample Wedding Ceremony

Referenced Resources
About the Author
Index

Reviews

to come

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