News, Frances Muñoz, first Latina trial judge in California, dies at 92 : detailed suggestions and opinions about Frances Muñoz, first Latina trial judge in California, dies at 92 .
Before becoming the first Latina trial judge in California history, Frances Muñoz appeared in an Orange County courtroom as a public defender, representing a young Latino during his arraignment in a criminal case.
Muñoz tried to persuade Judge Ken Williams, who had a reputation as a feisty and irreverent jurist, that her client should be released on his own recognizance.
“If you’re so confident that he’s not a danger to society,” the judge countered, “I’ll release him to you.”
Muñoz agreed and took the young man into her home — but hid her kitchen knives just in case. On the next court date, she reported that her client caused her no trouble.
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