Head of UC-Davis Prison Law Clinic Receives Teaching Award The California Aggie, 4/13/05
Upon his acceptance of the 2005 Distinguished Teaching Award Friday evening, Millard A. Murphy '86, professor in the University of California at Davis School of Law, announced he had one confession to make.
"I didn't start out with an interest in teaching," he said. "I wanted to be a practitioner of law."
But looking back at his career since arriving at King Hall in 1987 as the supervising attorney of the Prison Law Clinic, Murphy emanated only enthusiasm and passion for teaching at the award ceremony at ARC Pavilion Ballroom.
"I love what I do, and I feel honored to be able to come and do it every day," said Murphy, who is the staff attorney at the Prison Law Clinic.
A committee of students, faculty, staff and alumni decided unanimously to select Murphy for the award, which recognizes superior teaching and commitment to academia. Colleagues and friends also decided to adorn Murphy with a tiara and red sash following the ceremony.
At the clinic, Murphy supervises about 10 to 14 students each semester as they represent state prisoners in administrative law cases pertaining to civil and human rights issues. In particular, the students deal with issues related to physical and mental health, disabilities, visitation rights, release dates, parole board matters and guard brutality. ...
Varian Medical Systems Names John W. Kuo Corporate Vice President and General Counsel PR Newswire, 4/8/05
Palo Alto, Calif.—Varian Medical Systems (NYSE:VAR) today announced that its board of directors has elected John W. Kuo '88 as Corporate Vice President and General Counsel, effective July 2. Kuo, who is currently Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel for the company, is replacing Joseph B. Phair, Corporate Vice President and General Counsel, who will retire after 26 years of service with the company.
"Joe Phair has played a major role in Varian's reorganization as a dedicated medical equipment company and as a member of our executive management team," said Dick Levy, Chairman and CEO of Varian Medical Systems. "He has helped to shape Varian's strategy and culture, and his advice and support have helped the company to achieve the success that we have enjoyed. ...
Governor Fills Sixth District, Alameda Seats The Recorder, 4/8/05
Wendy Duffy '77, the first woman appointed to the bench in Monterey County, was tapped by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Sixth District Court of Appeal on Thursday.
The governor also named Deputy Attorney General Morris Beatus, who specializes in defending death penalty judgments, to fill the last remaining vacancy on the Alameda County Superior Court bench. Beatus, 57, will fill retired Judge Jeffrey Allen's seat.
The 53-year-old Duffy, a Republican, is viewed by colleagues as a tough judge with a strong prosecutorial background.
Last week, she sentenced a drunken driver to three 15-years-to-life sentences for a crash that killed a couple and their unborn daughter. At the March 31 sentencing, Duffy told the driver that his decision to drive drunk "was not an accident."
Last month, she also ruled that a former deputy public defender who practiced law without a license could be prosecuted by her former adversaries in the district attorney's office.
"It will be a real benefit to the Sixth District to have her on the bench," said Judge Terrance Duncan, outgoing presiding judge for Monterey County. ...
Pregerson's Conscience and the Law Are Intertwined The Recorder, 4/5/05
COURT: Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals APPOINTED: Nov. 2, 1979 DATE OF BIRTH: Oct. 13, 1923 LAW SCHOOL: Boalt Hall School of Law, 1950 PREVIOUS JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE: Municipal and superior court judge, Los Angeles County; U.S. district judge, Central District of California
Harry Pregerson '50- homeless shelter founder, former U.S. Marine and judge on the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals - has a story for everything.
Asked to explain the origins of his well-known advocacy on behalf of the downtrodden, Pregerson tells of an encounter he had just a few weeks ago, when he attended a play at a Veterans Administration theater near his home in Woodland Hills. In the restroom, he met another senior citizen, a stranger with a cane that Pregerson realized was too short.
Pregerson handed the man a paper towel and adjusted his cane. The man said, "What's your name? Are you Harry?" It turned out he was an old friend Pregerson hadn't seen since 1943.
"I should have known that was you," the man said. "You were always considerate and kind."
Pregerson said he replied, "When we were in the Boy Scout troop, wasn't the first thing that we learned was to do a good deed and take care of old people?" ...
