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Aug. 3, 2026

Why?

A retired judge humorously reflects on everyday frustrations--from cyclists without helmets and cell phone distractions to tattoos and modern expressions--before questioning why judicial opinions have become increasingly long and difficult to understand.

Arthur Gilbert

Justice (ret.)

UC Berkeley School of Law, 1963

Arthur's previous columns are available on gilbertsubmits.blogspot.com.

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Why?
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Why? or its variation "How come?" is the question most of us asked our parents when we were kids. If this supposition has offended anyone, like those who were orphans or who were raised by relatives, do I have to apologize? Okay, I ... no, I am not going to apologize. You are all included. Now that I am a crabby, retired "senior," I am asking "why" questions from a different perspective. Let'...

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