Judge Robert Bradley

* As I read “Suspended Judge Responds to Panel’s Charges,” April 2, regarding Judge Robert Bradley, I was reminded once again of how vicious and unforgiving this society has become. The value of loyalty and dedication give way to the principles of “what have you done for me today?”

It has been almost eight years since last I appeared before Judge Bradley. Nevertheless, I remember him as a judge who was fair and just although my clients may not have thought so. I remember that he was always prepared for the matter in front of him and showed a genuine concern for reaching the correct decision.

I find it tragic that events led him to a series of acts with consequences he will carry with him forever. The only conclusion to be drawn from a series of stupid acts committed by an obviously intelligent individual is that he was subjected to circumstances even his judicial demeanor could not handle--real human emotional trauma. Ever experience such turmoil? I know I have. My last driving under the influence incident was in 1979, almost 20 years ago. I learned at that time that the loss of control and the risk posed to the public was not the way to handle human crises. I believe a man of Judge Bradley’s character has certainly learned that also, given the incredible grief and public humiliation he has most certainly undergone.

The possibility that the state Judicial Council may deny the community the benefit of Judge Bradley’s sound judicial temperament and ability is not to be taken lightly. I would hope the members of that body would put themselves in Judge Bradley’s shoes before passing judgment on how one should act with the pressures of the job, a recently deceased maternal figure and the fact of one’s spouse socializing with a member of one’s profession. All at once!

I, for one, grieved when I read of the passing of Judge Fred Jones. I know how much he also respected the service of Judge Bradley.

Please let the state Judicial Council know how Judge Bradley’s community feels regarding his long history of service. Let him return to the bench to return that compassion by sitting as the responsible, capable judge he has always been. The county, corporations and families forgive those who have stumbled as he has, with their genuine regret and rehabilitation. After all of these years of service, he deserves no less.

We just lost one judge who was a credit to the Ventura County bench; let us not throw a second one away for no reason.

SCOTT L. GRAHAM

Attorney

Thousand Oaks