Judge Karlin

Your article on Judge Joyce Karlin’s controversial sentence in the Du case says first that she “refused” and later that she “declined” to comment on her sentence (Dec. 9). Your readers should be told that it is improper and violates judicial ethics for a judge to comment about pending or impending cases. To state that she “refused” to comment leaves a false impression of uncooperativeness. Judge Karlin was correct in refusing to comment or explain. Judges must call their shots.

JERRY PACHT

Judge, Superior Court (retired)

Los Angeles