Judge James Warren Speaks to Poly Prep Students

Judge James Warren recently spoke at Poly Prep Country Day School. Appointed on August 23, 1994 to the San Francisco Superior Court, Judge James Warren has presided over such controversial cases as the dog-mauling death of Diane Whipple. He holds a degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Inspired to come to Poly after visiting Ground Zero and at the invitation of chemistry teacher Wynne Jones, Judge Warren informed students about issues central to democracy, focusing on the USA Patriot Act.

“This act has major implications on the civil liberties of all Americans,” said Judge Warren. In placing his talk in an historical and socio-political context, Judge Warren identified the strides made when his grandfather, Justice Earl Warren, served on the U.S. Supreme Court, and how many of those decisions are now being eroded. Judge Warren noted that the USA Patriot Act, which was signed into law on October 26, 2001, comprises 342 pages, and makes changes, some large and some small, to over 15 different statutes.

In addition to speaking before an assembly of students, Warren visited numerous classes and discussed many issues that have political implications for today’s youth and America’s future. Judge Warren advised students to be critical thinkers and to examine the ramifications of revisions to the law.#