Judge Brian J. Stretch presided over an arraignment for ‘unlawful lodging’ at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco on Nov. 27, 2024. Photo by Jungho Kim for CalMatters
Guest Commentary written by Brett R. Alldredge
Brett R. Alldredge is a retired judge who served on the Tulare County Superior Court bench.
Retired after three decades of service as a California trial court judge, Brett R. Alldredge was disheartened to hear recent comments from San Francisco’s elected district attorney, Brooke Jenkins. Disagreeing with a lawful judicial ruling, Jenkins made sweeping accusations against the county’s judiciary, suggesting that judges were not treating drug dealing as a serious crime and allowing criminals to use the courthouse as a revolving door.
Following Jenkins’ remarks, Riverside County’s elected sheriff, Chad Bianco, expressed his intent to run for governor, blaming liberal judges appointed by progressive governors for undermining the criminal justice system and contributing to rising crime rates, homelessness, and drug issues in California. These attacks on the judiciary not only show a lack of understanding of public safety and justice but also undermine the essential role of an impartial judiciary in upholding the law.
Throughout his career, Alldredge has had the privilege of working with numerous dedicated and fair judges across the state. Despite facing overwhelming caseloads and handling challenging cases, these judges have consistently demonstrated integrity and commitment to upholding California’s laws and constitution. While it is common for law enforcement officers or prosecutors to disagree with court rulings, publicly attacking judges or denigrating the entire judicial system is irresponsible and threatens the foundation of justice in our communities.
Real and sustained public safety and justice require collaboration among all justice partners, including law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and an impartial judiciary. Relying solely on law enforcement and mass incarceration is not a sustainable approach to public safety. Instead, communities must work together to prevent crimes before they occur by implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering cooperation among all stakeholders.
In California, Community Corrections Partnerships bring together various stakeholders, including probation officers, law enforcement officials, and community members, to develop and implement strategies to enhance public safety. These partnerships prioritize prevention and intervention measures to address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism rates. By working collaboratively and supporting evidence-based practices, communities can achieve real public safety and justice.
As elected officials and community leaders, it is crucial to uphold the rule of law and support an independent judiciary. Preserving the integrity of the judicial system is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that justice is served fairly and impartially. By working together and respecting each other’s roles in the criminal justice system, we can create safer and more just communities for all Californians.
Why does California elect local judges?
California communities must prioritize prevention and intervention strategies to address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism rates. By collaborating with all justice partners and supporting evidence-based practices, communities can achieve real public safety and justice. Elected officials play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and supporting an independent judiciary to ensure fair and impartial justice for all.
