Appellate Practice
Jun. 1, 2001
Should the High Court Have Let Martin Ride?
What do California lawyers think of the 'Casey Martin' decision?
Gordon Davidson
Fenwick & West, Palo Alto
"Yes, the Supreme Court should have let him ride. I don't think he gains any particular advantage by riding in the cart. I think it's a reasonable accommodation for the PGA to make."
Shirley Hufstedler
Morrison & Foerster, Los Angeles
"Because I'm sympathetic to the problems of the handicapped, I'm not surprised the court reached that conclusion. The result seems to be consonant with the intent of Congress to open up opportunities for the handicapped, including sports."
Maxwell Blecher
Blecher & Collins, Los Angeles
"I think so. I completely agree that the object of the game is the hitting of the ball and not the walking. In the absence of today's ruling, no handicapped person could play on the tour no matter how skilled they would be."
Barry Axelrod
Sole practitioner, Encinitas
"In my personal opinion, yes. That probably has less to do with the specific legal issues than with my inherent sense of fair play and the fact that someone with a disabling condition that has worked so hard at being successful should not be deprived of the chance to compete."
Morgan Chu
Irell & Manella, Los Angeles
"The other courts should have all said that he can ride, despite the PGA's position. I think it's recognizing a real disability. It doesn't change the nature of the competition and the sport, and it creates a level playing field, or level fairway."
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