There are certain people who spent their life in our little corner of the legal world, and we do well to remember them when they are gone.
Thus, we remember on 10/28/2024 the passing of REGJB legendary Judge Gerald Klein, who passed away on this date in 2012.
For you young judges, prosecutors, PDs, and REGJB staff members, you would do well to ask a colleague about "Fast Gerry."
Sharpstein
ReplyDeleteRIP Gerald you were a good man.
ReplyDeleteRIP Judge Alan Postman
ReplyDeleteAlex Micheals RIP you son of a btch
ReplyDeleteJanet Reno
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot about judicial economy from Judge Klein, it’s true when I introduced myself the first time as a prosecutor he told me I could stay in court, he also told Maxine Cohen (later Judge) who introduced herself as the new PD , that she could leave , “he didn’t need one”. I did learn to try a disorderly intoxication case in 10 questions. Rumple , you brought up some grin worthy memories with this honorable name. My second county court assignment. My first, Judge Alfred Nesbit, with M.Tarkoff and M.VonZampt, the public defenders. But that’s another story.
ReplyDeleteI recall Judge Gerald Klein, as I often was sent to cover the morning jail arraignments. I chuckle once recalling when a defendant was asleep during first appearance on a very petty minor crime, and had a long list of convictions, that he told Corrections, "Tell him when he wakes up, that he is going home, he has credit time served." Those who flouted the law, but the offenses were so trivial but often difficult to really enforce, he called them, "scofflaws". He was like a machine, able to move things along efficiently. He had a particular wisdom to move matters along very quickly having seen so much and been experienced with so much. He was on top of his knowledge. Every time I was in the jail arraignments courtroom (5-3) recently, I would point to his picture, and ask if anyone knew he was, or heard of him. Judge Tom Petersen often would cover the afternoon jail arraignments, another individual whose friendship I greatly miss.
ReplyDeleteWoody Clermont
Never appointed the PD so no jail time for the defendants. Out on the golf course by noon. Only problem, he got robbed on the golf course at Miami Beach when he should have been working. But a great guy, Was married to Rhea Grossman. He could have been an actor with his great looks.
ReplyDeleteAnyone recall Mattie Belle Davis? One of a kind. Never went to law school and became a County Court Judge. Was better than many Judges who went to law school and passed the bar.....
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that Judge Klein has not been forgotten. He was truly a unique figure who managed to transend the decades. He also belongs in the REG Hall of Fame.
ReplyDeleteSy Gaer, Ken White, Loren Letner, Zena Duncan.
ReplyDeletei loved fast Gerry. He was nice, he was fair and he was a good guy. He was also my friend.
ReplyDeleteRest in paradise Alex Michaels you were always correct. You were unorthodox how you delivered your arguments but always right.
ReplyDeleteJudge Alan Postman - truly one of the greatest jurists at REGJB. Everyone loved him. He knew the law and he let you try your case. He also should be listed on the legal LEGEND list.
ReplyDeleteLouis Jepeway was a very nice man and very sharp.
ReplyDeleteHow about we minimize the celebration of a judge who sexually harassed a prosecutor, and many others, and was removed from the bench for doing so…
ReplyDeleteSexual harassment no way. That never happens.
DeleteWhich judge did that ?
DeleteI’m open for a sexual harassment discussion.
DeleteI also miss Jean-Claude "JC" Dugue. Pat Trese. Judge Julio Jimenez. Richard Sharpstein. Harvey Watnick. Louie Casuso. We have lost so many.
ReplyDeleteAs well as those already mentioned such as Sy Gaer, Zena Duncan and so on.
Woody Clermont
Judge Arthur Snyder? The WORST. He took advantage of women just like Harvey Weinstein - and that is of a personal family member of mine. Please don’t say he was the best.
ReplyDeleteLove the Julio Jimenez reference. He was fun
ReplyDeleteRIP Janet Reno a real leader.
ReplyDeleteBut the all time best - Henry Letevidal
ReplyDelete