Scotland, Arthur G.

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McGeorge Law ReviewVolume 36Issue 4 Tribute to Robert K. Puglia, Late PresidingJustice of the California Court of Appeal, ThirdAppelate DistrictArticle 41-1-2005Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K.PugliaArthur G. ScotlandCalifornia Court of Appeal, Third Appellate DistrictFollow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/mlrPart of the Law CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals and Law Reviews at Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion inMcGeorge Law Review by an authorized editor of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact mgibney@pacific.edu.Recommended CitationArthur G. Scotland, Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K. Puglia, 36 McGeorge L. Rev. 725 (2005).Available at: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/mlr/vol36/iss4/4Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K. PugliaArthur G. Scotland*When Korean War veteran Bob Puglia left his beloved state of Ohio in 1954to study law at the University of California, Boalt Hall, he came with little morethan his immense intellect, work ethic, and motivation. Upon his untimely deathfrom cancer in 2005, Bob left behind a legal legacy in his contributions to therule of law in the Golden State and, even more importantly, in the influence thathe had on innumerable members of the legal profession.Bob's profound influence on the legal profession was broad, from thecourtroom to the classroom, where Bob taught for many years as an AdjunctProfessor of Law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.As his former students and colleagues can attest, Bob brought to every task hiskeen mind, his sound character, and his passion to instill in all an appreciation of,and respect for, the rule of law.The stories of his skills as a trial attorney are legendary. For example,whenever then Sacramento County Chief Deputy District Attorney Bob Pugliaprosecuted a jury trial, all of the lawyers in the office who could do so would sitin the courtroom to watch the master in action (leading someone to scrawl "HeroWorship" on the office in-out board). Bob set a standard of excellence in trialthat led to his gubernatorial appointment to serve as a Superior Court judge.Bob's reputation as a trial judge was as glowing as was the distinction heearned as a trial attorney. Recently, a person who tried hundreds of jury trials incourts throughout California and Oregon remarked that the finest trial judgebefore whom he appeared was Bob Puglia. With his encyclopedic knowledge ofthe law, his firm yet velvet control of the courtroom, his respect for the law, andhis decisiveness, Bob was a tour de force as a trial judge. He even was a valuablesource for his colleagues on the bench, who often called Bob for his guidance onlegal issues.But it was Bob's work for almost a quarter of a century as Presiding Justiceof the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, that made his brilliance knownto an audience far beyond Sacramento's legal community. As expressed on theimpressive bronze plaque that dedicates the Robert K. Puglia Law Library of theCourt of Appeal in Sacramento, a tribute bestowed upon his retirement inDecember 1998, Bob's appellate opinions "are marked by scholarship, commonsense, clarity and eloquence, reflecting his philosophy of judicial restraint andhis understanding of the proper role of the courts in a democratic society."Indeed, Bob's appellate opinions could serve as a textbook for judicialdecision-making. They reflect his respect for the rule of law, his dedication toreach the legally correct result, and his adherence to the conviction that judges* Presiding Justice, California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. Memorial Service forPresiding Justice Robert K. Puglia, Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Monday, March 21, 2005.7252005 /Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K Pugliamust not abuse their limited powers in our tripartite system of government. AndBob's opinions entertain, so to speak, as well as inform. A showcase for hisprodigious vocabulary, his judicious use of humor, and his flare for turninga phrase to make a point, they stand apart from the often pedestrian legal writingsof many jurists. Other appellate justices have been heard to say they strive toemulate Bob's work. And even those justices, lawyers, and academics who fromtime to time have disagreed with Bob marvel at the persuasiveness and eloquenceof his appellate opinions.While Bob's appellate opinions have had great influence on the rule of law,those who received the greatest benefit of his influence are those who had thegood fortune to work directly with him as lawyers, trial judges, or appellatejustices. Bob's day-to-day interaction with colleagues revealed not only hisbrilliance, but also his charm, wit, and coolness under the most challengingcircumstances. He was a true leader and innovative administrator who alwayslooked for productive ways to improve court administration, who inspired othersto strive for excellence, and who created the collegial atmosphere that is nowembedded in every pore of the Third Appellate District.His day-to-day interaction with others also revealed the personal side of Bob,who had a soft spot in his heart not only for his wife, Ingrid; children, Susan,Peter, Dave, and Tom; and their families, including grandchildren, Ben, Nick,and Hailey; but also for his many friends. Bob's concern for others did not stopwith his family, friends, and colleagues. Years ago, on a vacation trip to the FarEast, a bus boy in a hotel restaurant in Laos asked to practice his English withBob. In doing so, he spoke of his aspiration to better himself and his family bygoing to business school. Impressed with the young man's motivation, Boboffered to pay his school tuition to help him achieve his goal.When I think about Bob, as I often do, I feel very lucky that he was a mentorand friend. My hero in the law, Bob Puglia is the most remarkable judge, perhapsthe most remarkable man I have personally known. His positive influence on thelaw and on those around him is indelible.

Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K. Puglia

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Epitome of Excellence: The Legacy of Robert K. Puglia

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