Judges and Judiciary
Mar. 2, 2002
Sacramento Lawyer Tries to Unseat Popular Judge
SAN FRANCISCO - Veteran Sacramento Superior Court Judge Joe S. Gray, who enjoys the unusual endorsement of every jurist on the local and appellate bench, is being challenged in Tuesday's primary by an underdog bankruptcy attorney.
Julius Engel, 45, a supervising attorney at Sacramento's American Law Center who unsuccessfully ran for a judgeship in 2000, says he's running to counteract Gray's "chilling" effect on the court.
"He epitomizes what's wrong with the court," said Engel, a former prison guard who became a Yolo County prosecutor and also worked as an attorney for the state Department of Corrections. Calling Gray an "ultra powerful gatekeeper," he said the jurist unfairly blocks too many cases.
"He impedes access to the courts by making it very difficult to get to trial." Additionally, Engel accuses Gray of being "pro-landowner and pro-wealthy."
But Gray, 66, whose 13-year tenure on the bench includes such high-profile cases as the $88.5 million smog fee suit and the Oakland Raiders breach of contract litigation, says Engel's challenge is just a personal vendetta, the result of legal sour grapes.
"I ruled against him in some cases in which he represented himself and when he was sued by his landlord," explained Gray. "He said he would make me pay at the ballot box."
Several local defense attorneys praised Gray as a hardworking, fair jurist.
Irv Scott, a Sacramento civil litigator with Porter Scott Weiberg & Delehant, called Gray a "very honorable, industrious and competent jurist" who issues "fair and timely decisions."
Sacramento insurance defense attorney Tom Wagner, noting he has lost some rulings in Gray's court, praised the incumbent, saying "He really is an excellent judge, especially for the law and motion calendar."
Donna Domino
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
Jeremy_Ellis@dailyjournal.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 213-229-5424
Send a letter to the editor:
Email: letters@dailyjournal.com