Welcome to JudgeJimGray.com
Jim Gray's Bio:
James P. Gray has been a trial judge in Orange County, California since 1983. Before becoming a judge, he served as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, a staff judge advocate and criminal defense attorney in the Navy JAG Corps, a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, and a civil litigation attorney in a private law firm, in addition to being a Republican candidate for US Congress in 1998, and a Libertarian candidate for US Senate in 2004. Judge Gray has discussed issues of drug policy on more than two hundred television and radio shows and public forums all across the country. Using his experience on the bench and elsewhere, he has also authored a book on the failed War on Drugs, another Wearing The Robe, about practical and ethical issues in being a judge, and has composed a musical that encourages young people to expand their horizons and live a fuller life. Read more about Judge Jim Gray.
The Resolution:
On February 26, 1993 a group of concerned citizens met at the Hoover Institution on the campus of Stanford University and unanimously passed a resolution which recommends that our country investigate the possibility of change in the way we handle our drug problems. The Resolution, which recommends that these medical and social problems be treated with medical and social solutions, is attached hereto. As you can see, it further recommends that one final Blue Ribbon Commission be immediately empowered by the President to recommend revisions of the drug laws of these United States to reduce the harm caused by these drug problems.. Read more about The Resolution and make a difference.
Judge Jim Gray Endorses:
Governor Gary Johnson 2012:
Gary Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for efficient government, balanced budgets, rational drug policy reform, protection of civil liberties, comprehensive tax reform, and personal freedom. As Governor of New Mexico, Johnson was known for his common sense business approach to governing. He eliminated New Mexico's budget deficit, cut the rate of growth in state government in half, and privatized half of the state prisons.
Read more on Governor Gary Johnson.
LIBERTARIAN GARY JOHNSON TAPS JUDGE JIM GRAY FOR VP:
Libertarian presidential candidate and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson has picked California Judge Jim Gray, a prominent pro-marijuana legalization advocate, to be his running mate.
Thoughts On Prohibition From The Trial Court Bench:
Judge James "Jim" Gray is a Superior Court judge from the state of California who has seen his fair share of drug offences and crimes over his 29-years of service within the U.S. legal and judiciary community. But despite a long and successful career that involved the prosecution of some of California's worst drug offenders, Judge Gray has an interesting take on the war on drugs - he believes that it needs to stop.
Drug Policy Reform:
Judge Gray has championed many causes, however, none has been more bold than his work to combat the illegal drug problem in America. Gray continues to mobilize civic leaders, government officials, corporations, non-profit organizations, the media, and the public around the country to join him in exploring alternate solutions to reduce this chronic problem.
Judge Jim Gray, The Author
Wearing the Robe:
Wearing the Robe explores the day-to-day realities of being a judge, from faithfully applying the law in court to sharing knowledge outside the courthouse. In this book, Judge Jim Gray addresses a range of important topics, examining how judges can obtain and refine their skills, preside effectively over judicial calendars, healthfully manage the restrictions placed on their private lives, and much more. Throughout, personal insights and practical tips add to a firm foundation of knowledge. Whether you currently fill a judicial position, are considering the pursuit of one, or simply want to learn more about what judges actually do, Wearing the Robe provides a unique look at the art and responsibilities of being a judge in today's courts. Click here for: Wearing The Robe.
Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed:
What is one thing that Walter Cronkite, Dr. Milton Friedman, Secretary of State George Shultz, New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, and syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington all have in common? Each one of them has endorsed Judge Gray's book on the failure of the War on Drugs. Problems with increased crime, adult and juvenile violence, medical problems, terrorism all around the world, decreased civil liberties, and the misspending of hundreds of billions of dollars annually are clearly shown in the first part of this book as being traced to this failed policy. But there is a better way, and the second part of the book shows in detail how other policies and programs are actually working in these areas. Click here for: Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed.
A Voter's Handbook - Effective Solutions To
America's Problems:
Over the years, special interests and mismanagement have driven the federal and state governments completely off the track. Once prosperous and flourishing, many American states today are insolvent, dysfunctional and ungovernable. Click here for: A Voter's Handbook.
Americans All:
It's a play, it's a musical, it's an inspriational show set in a high school classroom that shares the importance of staying in school through music, dialogue and poetry. How can we show our young people how to expand their horizons, live a better, more successful and more fulfilling life, and have some genuine fun along the way? Encourage them to play in or watch a presentation of Judge Gray's new musical. With a minimal set, this is a fun and entertaining musical experience that can travel to any school. It will leave a real, lasting and positive message that will be well received by students as well as their teachers and parents. Click here to check out: Americans All Musical.
Former Judge to File Initiative to Regulate Marijuana:
OUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- He was once a determined drug warrior, but now former Assistant US Attorney and Superior Court Judge James P. Gray believes the time has come to take marijuana out of the black market and regulate it instead. After years of witnessing the harm caused by outlawing marijuana, Judge Gray will file a voter initiative this Wednesday with the California Attorney General's office that will regulate marijuana like wine.
A press conference has been scheduled for 11AM in front of the AG's office at 1300 I Street. Also present at the press conference will be the initiative's principle author and chief counsel, William McPike, as well as the chief officer for the campaign, Steve Kubby.
Read more on Judge Jim Gray and the Initiative to Regulate Marijuana.
Friends Outside Los Angeles County
Judge Jim Gray supports the efforts of "Friends Outside Los Angeles". Friends Outside in Los Angeles County serves as a bridge between families, inmates, and the community, to break the cycle of crime. Friends Outside creates the bridge by providing supportive services to the families of those incarcerated and linking families to community organizations and government programs. We also support inmates and ex-inmates in making a succesful transition into society.
95% of inmates is released to the community; 70% return to prison. In most cases, the underlying causes of criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, are never addressed. In addition, when someone goes to jail or prision families face a host of financial and emotional hardships.
Find out more about Friends Outside Los Angeles County and stop the cycle of crime.
Professional Tools For Litigators: Opening Statement
Daily Journal, 4/7/2011:
Many attorneys, judges and legal commentators believe that, second only to issue of the credibility of witnesses, the opening statement is the most important aspect of the trial when it comes to convincing a jury. I share that belief. Skilled and artful attorneys will use an opening statement to tell the jury about what they anticipate the evidence at the trial will be, which means they will tell a story that allows the jurors to see the case through their client's eyes. Another approach is to see the opening statement as a trailer or preview of a movie, with the presentation of evidence being the movie itself, and the closing argument being a critique of the movie after it is finished. Opening statements are not to be used to "ingratiate" counsel or their clients to the potential jurors, pre-condition the jurors to vote in their favor, instruct the jurors about the law, or in any other way argue their case. Those comments are objectionable, and opposing counsel and trial court judges will be listening.
The opening statement is the most important aspect of the trial when it comes to convincing a jury. Read More.
It's A Gray Area:
Are you tired of politics full of gossip, dirt and emotional issues that don't make any real difference? Judge Jim Gray has written a weekly informative column in the Daily Pilot Newspaper that actually discusses the real issues of our day -- as well as practical and workable solutions. Resolutions of the problems of crime; illegal immigration; traffic; the death penalty; welfare for the poor and the wealthy, separation of church and state; large, expensive and unproductive government; healthcare; excessive litigation, the failure of our national tax system, and many more thorny issues are honestly addressed and resolutions offered. There is even a column showing how we would be better off nationally if we were to convert to the Metric System! In short, this series of 52 news columns presents a citizen's handbook that every informed voter should read. Click here to read more: Judge Jim Gray's Blog.
Peer Court:
With Judge Jim Gray taking the lead, the Orange County Peer Court Program was designed and implemented by the Orange County Probation Department, Department of Education, Constitutional Rights Foundation, District Attorney's Office and Superior Court. This county-wide program adjudicates real juvenile cases in Orange County high schools before an actual judge with a jury of high school students. Teenage jurors make recommendations to the judge about what punishment -- short of jail or fines -- fits the offense of their contemporary after asking questions of the offender and his/her parents, who must agree to be present. (Check out The Peer Court Experience to see a video/article. You can also click here http://education.occourts.org for more information.)
The major goals of the program are diversion, catching youths before they sink deeper into a criminal lifestyle, and focusing upon ethical behavior. Another is to educate our teens about the court system and dissuade all of those present from committing similar offenses. This program has proved to be so popular and effective the Department of Education has incorporated it into high school curricula throughout the county. As a direct result, high school students are more aware and accountable for their own ethical and social behavior, and Judge Gray has been recognized with a number of commendations and awards for his innovative program.
Drinking Driver Sentencing Program:
In 1984, Judge Jim Gray formed the first "drug court" in Orange County and probably the country designed to deal with first time problem drinking and driving offenders. The offenders were sentenced to a program that strictly enforced their total abstention from alcohol. As a result, a drinking driver was replaced by a sober one. The program was recognized as one of the most effective of its kind, and Judge Gray was lauded by civic groups and law enforcement officials for his leadership in its establishment and implementation.
American Drug War: The Last White Hope -
War on Drugs.
The War on Drugs has become the longest and most costly war in American history. The question has become, how much more can the country endure? Inspired by the death of four family members from "legal drugs" Texas filmmaker Kevin Booth sets out to discover why the Drug War has become such a big failure.
Three and a half years in the making, the documentary follows gang members, former DEA agents, CIA officers, narcotics officers, judges (Judge Jim Gray), politicians, prisoners and celebrities. Most notably the film befriends Freeway Ricky Ross; the man many accuse of starting the Crack epidemic. After being arrested, Ross discovered that his cocaine source had been working for the CIA.
For more information visit: americandrugwar.com
The Exile Nation Project:
An Oral History of the War on Drugs
& The American Criminal Justice System
A film by Charles Shaw
The Land of the Free punishes or imprisons more of its citizens than any other country. This collection of testimonials from criminal offenders, family members, and experts on America's criminal justice system puts a human face on the 1 in 31 Americans subjugated by the US Government's 40 year, one trillion dollar social catastrophe: The War on Drugs; a failed policy underscored by fear, politics, racial prejudice and intolerance in a public atmosphere of "out of sight, out of mind."
Written, Produced and Directed by Charles Shaw
Featuring: Christian Parenti, Eric Sterling, Mark Kleiman, Ph.D, Sanho Tree, Judge James P. Gray, Ethan Nadelmann, Anthony Papa,John Sinclair, Nora Callahan, Chuck Armsbury, Amy Povah Ralston, Lynette Shaw, Scott Imler, Kyle Kazan, Julie Holland, M.D., Aaron Blackledge, M.D., Randolph Hencken, Stephen Dubov, Steve Costello, Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Alexis Wilson Briggs, Dimitri Mobengo Mugianis...
The William P. Gray Chapter
Of The American Inns Of Court:
In 1989 Judge James Gray was instrumental in forming an Orange County chapter of the American Inns of Court in conjunction with the USC Law School. This national group's function is to emphasize ethics, collegiality and education in the legal profession. Jim Gray, who served as president for its first six years, was honored by the group's board of directors when it named its chapter after Gray's father, a long-time federal judge in Los Angeles.
Bigger Than Life - Judge Jim Gray:
It is a genuine privilege to be able to write an article for a journal like the Orange County Lawyer about my father Judge William P. Gray: distinguished jurist, attorney, civic leader, mentor, teacher, friend, golf partner, pianist, grandfather of five, father of two, and husband of one for more than 50 years - Bill Gray was many things to many people, and in many ways, he was bigger than life itself. To read the full article, click here - Bigger Than Life - by Judge Jim Gray.
Judge Jim Gray supports Assemblyman Tom Ammiano's proposed AB 390.
The objections that the opponents of this forward-thinking bill generally cite are, first, that marijuana causes harm to the user and to society, and second, that the bill would "send the wrong message to our children." But the reality of the situation is that, first, marijuana is already abundant in California, and the rest of the country as well, so whatever harm it would cause is basically already upon us, and that, second, society would no more be encouraging or condoning children or anyone else to use marijuana by instituting these changes than it now encourages or condones anyone to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Click Here - Proposed AB 390
Drinking Driver Sentencing Program.
In 1984, Judge Jim Gray formed the first "drug court" in Orange County and probably the country designed to deal with first time problem drinking and driving offenders. The offenders were sentenced to a program that strictly enforced their total abstention from alcohol. As a result, a drinking driver was replaced by a sober one. The program was recognized as one of the most effective of its kind, and Judge Gray was lauded by civic groups and law enforcement officials for his leadership in its establishment and implementation.
