Judge Joan P. Weber retires after 35 years on San Diego bench

San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan P. Weber stepped down from the bench this week, concluding a judicial career spanning more than 35 years and thousands of cases, including three death penalty trials and several hundred murder trials.

Weber held a range of leadership posts during her tenure, serving as supervising judge of the criminal division, supervising judge of the North County Courthouse and presiding judge of the appellate division.

Weber said she looked forward to retirement far less than most people do -- if at all.

"Most people count the days until retirement. Not me! I have loved every single day of this job. Having had the privilege to handle some of the most high-profile cases in the county has been the greatest honor of my career," she said. "I wanted jurors to leave my courtroom and see how important their role is in our democracy. And I want young students to learn that if we lose the rule of law in America, our democracy cannot survive."

Before taking the bench, Weber clerked for 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge J. Clifford Wallace, practiced civil litigation at a Phoenix firm and spent seven years as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of California.

Her professional affiliations included serving as president of the California Judges Association, membership in the American Law Institute, an advisory seat on the California Judicial Council and membership on the California Federal/State Judicial Council. She also served as a judicial master of the William B. Enright Inn of Court and was a member of the National Association of Women Judges, California Women Lawyers and Lawyers Club.

Weber received numerous honors during her tenure, including the American Bar Association Pursuit of Justice Award, the Joan Dempsey Klein Distinguished Jurist Award from California Women Lawyers and the Bernard E. Witkin Award for Excellence in the Adjudication of the Law from the San Diego Law Library Foundation.

Her work in civics education drew particular recognition. Weber wrote mock trial curricula used by teachers and judges throughout California, helped organize an annual Youth in Court Day at the North County Courthouse that drew up to 1,000 students, and annually judged the San Diego County High School Mock Trial competition.

Presiding Judge Michael S. Groch praised her record in unsparing terms.

"Judge Weber has had a profound and lasting impact on our community and on the San Diego Superior Court. She has executed every responsibility with discipline, intellectual rigor, creativity, tireless energy, and unwavering professionalism, always guided by what best serves the public and the next generation of lawyers and judges," Groch said in a statement. "She is a judicial icon whose legacy is firmly embedded in this court and will continue to shape our court and community for generations."

Weber will remain available for assignment should the court require her return.