Defense of Judge

I read the article titled “Levitt Leaving S. D. Bench to Mixed Reviews” with mixed emotions. The article limited its quotes to some lawyers from the criminal defense bar whose views for their agenda could be viewed to be narrow-minded, harboring hostility toward the rights of victim and society to be protected against violent criminal acts and advocating putting more resources than can reasonably be justified in pursuit of the interests of justice as they define it.

I only wish the author had contacted more lawyers because there are many who respected Judge Levitt and found it rewarding to strive to meet his expectations.

I have appeared before Judge Levitt on many occasions, both with respect to trial and other matters. On each occasion I felt I had learned something and improved my ability as a lawyer as a result of having appeared before him.

EDWARD D. CHAPIN

San Diego