William W Bedsworth

November 26, 2019 | The Recorder

I've been on the bench for 33 years. I'm starting to get the hang of it. I can't quit now.

By William W. Bedsworth

10 minute read

October 11, 2019 | The Recorder

Why did it take an Australian judge four days to read an opinion in a case where the key issue was whether the plaintiff was involved in an automobile accident when he was thrown from his horse? Good question.

By William W. Bedsworth

9 minute read

September 03, 2019 | The Recorder

Letters from credit card companies often contain middling bad news. The worse news is that their lawyers are orders of magnitude smarter than should be allowed.

By William W. Bedsworth

11 minute read

August 06, 2019 | The Recorder

As retirement approaches, Justice Bedsworth writes: "I’ve been a judge for 32 years. I’ve grown accustomed to my jokes being funny, my insights brilliant, and my restaurant choices inspired. I will miss that."

By William W. Bedsworth

8 minute read

July 01, 2019 | The Recorder

In America, the first fix we made when we decided our Constitution required emendation was to enshrine the right to free speech. Ever since we've pretzelized our logic and herniated our analogies trying to fit some Size 10 concepts into a Size 8 right to freedom of speech.

By William W. Bedsworth

9 minute read

April 22, 2019 | The Recorder

I need only pick up the paper every morning to see that evolution is apparently a self-limiting phenomenon. As near as I can determine, evolution peaked July 2, 1964.

By William W. Bedsworth

8 minute read

March 15, 2019 | The Recorder

Your colleagues have to know they can rely on your word. Your reputation as a straight-shooter is your most important asset.

By William W. Bedsworth

9 minute read

February 04, 2019 | The Recorder

Names are important. If you're going to name your child Englebert Humperdinck Smith or Benedict Cumberbatch Jones, give some thought to what that child is going to go through.

By William W. Bedsworth

9 minute read

December 26, 2018 | The Recorder

So help me, if I had my choice of handling a copyright case or working 6 months in the hold of a Bering Straits salmon trawler, I'd go with the trawler every time.

By William W. Bedsworth

8 minute read

November 21, 2018 | The Recorder

It would be poor form, indeed, to start your judicial career by violating the Government Code by failing to wear a robe during court proceedings. A gavel, however, has all the utility of an inflatable dartboard.

By William W. Bedsworth

7 minute read