Judge Tries To Inject Levity Into Westerfield Trial
Padres Send Judge Mudd 'Thank You' Note
POSTED: 2:55 p.m. PDT June 14, 2002
UPDATED: 3:26 p.m. PDT June 14, 2002
SAN DIEGO -- Judge William Mudd, who is presiding over the David Westerfield trial, is trying to lighten the mood in the courtroom with jokes and Padre banter, 10News reported.
Mudd's constant cheerleading for the San Diego Padres paid off this week when he got a note from the baseball club, thanking him for his well wishes.
"This shows what a world class organization the Padres are," the judge said.
He opened the note -- complete with the Padres logo on the front -- in front of the David Westerfield jury, then read it to the jury.
"It reads as follows," the judge said, adding his own comments.
"Dear Judge Mudd ('This is interesting.'). We in the executive offices of the Padres have been watching the Westerfield trial ('I guess everybody is.')," the judge began. "'Admittedly, we get a kick out of each time you mention the club. We're glad you are able to create some humor at our expense, despite the somber circumstances.'"
Mudd seemed happy that the Padres supported his notion to try to inject some levity into the serious trial proceeding.
"Now maybe there's some county employees out there that ought to think along the same lines," the judge told the jury.
Mudd was referring to a nasty e-mail he received earlier from a county worker who expressed dismay over the judge's attempts to lighten the mood in the courtroom with jokes and Padre banter.
The judge told the jury -- as he does in most of his trials -- that the county-issued pens had a 50-50 chance of having ink in them, that the clock might not be accurate and that the air conditioning in the county courthouse was extremely touchy.
Mudd also said a courtroom is not a dungeon. He said a murder trial can bring enormous emotion, for victims, families, the accused and for the jury. He said he wants to start the day on an easy note.
"My concern is with 18 of you ... you need an atmosphere where you can do your job without going home at night and being a basket case," Mudd told the jurors.
 WESTERFIELD TRIAL  Judge William Mudd Issues Death Penalty SentenceHear Jury's Death Penalty RecommendationWatch The Jury's Verdict Being Read Share Your ThoughtsDANIELLE VAN DAM 1994-2002 Watch Danielle Video MontageE-mail: daniellevandam @yahoo.com Send mail to: P.O. Box 501515 San Diego, 92150 |
Mudd's constant cheerleading for the San Diego Padres paid off this week when he got a note from the baseball club, thanking him for his well wishes.
"This shows what a world class organization the Padres are," the judge said.
He opened the note -- complete with the Padres logo on the front -- in front of the David Westerfield jury, then read it to the jury.
"It reads as follows," the judge said, adding his own comments.
"Dear Judge Mudd ('This is interesting.'). We in the executive offices of the Padres have been watching the Westerfield trial ('I guess everybody is.')," the judge began. "'Admittedly, we get a kick out of each time you mention the club. We're glad you are able to create some humor at our expense, despite the somber circumstances.'"
Mudd seemed happy that the Padres supported his notion to try to inject some levity into the serious trial proceeding.
"Now maybe there's some county employees out there that ought to think along the same lines," the judge told the jury.
Mudd was referring to a nasty e-mail he received earlier from a county worker who expressed dismay over the judge's attempts to lighten the mood in the courtroom with jokes and Padre banter.
The judge told the jury -- as he does in most of his trials -- that the county-issued pens had a 50-50 chance of having ink in them, that the clock might not be accurate and that the air conditioning in the county courthouse was extremely touchy.
Mudd also said a courtroom is not a dungeon. He said a murder trial can bring enormous emotion, for victims, families, the accused and for the jury. He said he wants to start the day on an easy note.
"My concern is with 18 of you ... you need an atmosphere where you can do your job without going home at night and being a basket case," Mudd told the jurors.
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