Judge Hauk Was a Fair, Compassionate Jurist

In death, as in life, the media have chosen to characterize U.S. District Judge A. Andrew Hauk as an eccentric and intemperate jurist (Nov. 12). Those of us in the federal defense bar who practiced before Hauk knew him to be a man with a good heart, a judge who treated defendants with fairness and compassion.

I have practiced in the Los Angeles federal courts for nearly 35 years; had I not had the good fortune to try my first case before Hauk in 1970, it is unlikely that I would ever have appeared in a federal courtroom again.

Hauk, perhaps appreciating that I was an inexperienced attorney, and also recognizing that I had a defensible case, adjourned the nonjury trial after the first day, advised me what additional evidence I needed to present my defense, and ultimately acquitted my client when the trial concluded.

I tried at least a dozen more cases before Hauk, and I always suggested to my client that he elect to have the case tried without a jury and allow Judge Hauk to decide his fate. I never regretted any of those decisions.

Terry Amdur

Pasadena