Judge Katherine Mader (Ret.)

In Part 47 of Inside the Robe, Judge Mader brings to a close her tale of a love-triangle attempted murder trial, continues the story of a recidivist drunk driver and offers an anecdote about three self-represented defendants including one disruptive individual who chooses to disqualify her as the judge presiding on his case. April 21 My Red Mass protest was the action of an elected judge. I do not answer to a governor or political party that appointed me. Elected judges can be more outspoken than appointed judges. My history of activism goes way back, however. Challenging the status quo too forcefully...

In Part 46 of Inside the Robe, Judge Mader continues her story of a love-triangle attempted murder trial, and explains the political implications of her objecting to the Court giving its official sanction to a religious denomination ceremony for judges. April 19 What should I say when I sentence the gun dealer? I keep trying out speeches as I drive to work. I want to call it as I see it: a political prosecution to please the community for a “crime” that should have been handled as a rule violation. But what is the upside? Is it my job to scold an elected...

In Part 45 of Inside the Robe, Judge Mader continues the story of a victim who is being jailed at prosecutor’s request because the deputy DA fears his disappearance and/or self-harm. She discusses the case of a serial drunk driver who has exhausted all possible treatment avenues and now faces arrest and incarceration. And the Judge explores cautionary tales of significant ethical misconduct by judges. April 15 The attorney representing the locked-up victim/material witness returned to court this morning. The victim’s aunt, who spoke with the attorney, will not accept responsibility for the victim. This is a bad situation. If only the victim...

Katherine Mader spent two decades as a judge in Los Angeles Criminal Court, before retiring early in 2020. Before that she was the LAPD’s first Inspector General, prosecuted two murder-for-hire trials and served as a defense attorney who convinced a jury to spare the life of the Hillside Strangler. In August of this year, Judge Mader published Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America, which best selling author Michael Connelly called: “a perfect book: engrossing and telling at the same time.” The Judge has granted Crime Story permission to excerpt the entirety of her book...

Katherine Mader spent two decades as a judge in Los Angeles Criminal Court, before retiring early in 2020. Before that she was the LAPD’s first Inspector General, prosecuted two murder-for-hire trials and served as a defense attorney who convinced a jury to spare the life of the Hillside Strangler. In August of this year, Judge Mader published Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America, which best selling author Michael Connelly called: “a perfect book: engrossing and telling at the same time.” The Judge has granted Crime Story permission to excerpt the entirety of her book...

Katherine Mader spent two decades as a judge in Los Angeles Criminal Court, before retiring early in 2020. Before that she was the LAPD’s first Inspector General, prosecuted two murder-for-hire trials and served as a defense attorney who convinced a jury to spare the life of the Hillside Strangler. In August of this year, Judge Mader published Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America, which best selling author Michael Connelly called: “a perfect book: engrossing and telling at the same time.” The Judge has granted Crime Story permission to excerpt the entirety of her book...