Panel’s Report on Judge Brown

Re “State Judicial Panel Lifts Curtain on Court Feuds,” July 8: The story concerning Judge Nancy Brown is disturbing, although not because of the manner in which it portrays her or her colleagues on the bench. I do not know Judge Brown. Nevertheless, the article discloses a little-known fact with which we attorneys who regularly appear before elected and appointed judges are all too familiar. Typically, you do not become a judge because you have the best legal mind or judicial temperament. You become a judge because you have the best political connections.

Note to Judge Brown: It is not your courtroom; it is the people’s courtroom. You should be grateful for the opportunity to serve and conduct yourself accordingly; otherwise, you have no business being on the bench.

MICHAEL L. OWENS

Cathedral City

* The conclusions of your reporter are in no way supported by the report to which she refers. There is nothing in the report to suggest that the Criminal Courts Building is a “soap opera stage” or a “dysfunctional” bench. It portrays nothing more than one judge’s dispute with supervising judges who acted appropriately in dealing with their areas of responsibility. The substance of the judge’s dispute is currently being resolved by the Commission on Judicial Performance. Characterizations such as those concocted by your reporter are a disservice.

LARRY PAUL FIDLER

Supervising Judge

Criminal Courts Division

Los Angeles Superior Court