Judge Harry Pregerson is stepping down the bench after five decades of his career. He has entered the senior status along with his son, Judge Dean D. Pregerson. During the course of his career, the Judge maintained that he stayed true to his conscience in all of his cases.
After 50 years of service, the ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals Judge went to the semi-retired status on December 11. According to Metropolitan News-Enterprise, his son US District Judge Dean Pregerson is also to take the senior status on January 28.
During his talk with the LA Times, Judge Pregerson stated that he is coming down with "mixed emotions" but also admitted that his age is also one of the factors for his decision. "You know, at 92 you are not 82," he said. "You slow down a bit and need a little more rest."
He also added in his statement that he wants to retire before his son does in January. "I thought it would be a good time for the old man to retire before the son retires. Anyway, I have so many things I am involved in."
During his time as Judge, Pregersons stated that he viewed his position as a way to help others in need, and used his conscience in his cases. "I can't think of anything more important than to try to help as many people as you can,", the judge shared. He further added that to help people was his motivation as "sometimes the law is not very compassionate".
The Pregerson family recently went through a difficult time with the passing of Judge Harry Pregerson's grandson, the 23 year old, budding director, David Pregerson. In a separate article by LA Times, Marguerite and MIchael Vuong were charged with felony hit and run and an accessory, respectively.
Marguerite Vuong was charged after she struck the young Pregerson while on her way to her 3 am shift as a sorter in the Postal office. Marguerite's husband tried to cover up for her but the truth was unveiled eventually.
It was a difficult time for the Pregerson family and according to Judge Harry Pregerson, he is still reminded of the memories his grandson a lot of times. "You never get over these things. He was an incredible kid. He had this great understanding of life and of people, and he had an incredible imagination", he further stated.
I am going through my office and I see something he wrote down 10 years ago, and it is so moving and humorous. Or I will open up a drawer, and there is this picture of a little kid smiling at me."
Judge Harry Pregerson has been able to establish several organizations for those in need. The entire Pregerson family, with the matriarch Bernardine, and their children Judge Dean Pregerson, and Dr. Katie Rodan has also been working to help the homeless.
