Carol D. Codrington
Judge Carol D. Codrington has served on the California 4th District Court of Appeal since 2010. As an appellate judge, she has ruled on high-profile cases related to education, criminal justice, civil rights and more. Throughout her distinguished legal career, Codrington has garnered support from both political parties. However, as a California judge, she does not outwardly identify with any political party.
Early Life and Education
Early Life
Carol Dee Codrington was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of LA. From an early age, Codrington knew she wanted to be an attorney.
Undergraduate Education
Codrington attended Loyola Marymount University, a private Jesuit university in LA. She graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Her sociology degree gave her insight into social justice issues.
Law School
After college, Codrington enrolled in Loyola Law School in LA. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1986. In law school, Codrington honed her skills in writing, research and public speaking.
Legal Career
Early Legal Career
Codrington’s first job after law school was with the firm Burke, Robinson and Pearman. She handled civil litigation as an associate. From 1989-1997, Codrington worked at the firm Mallory and Brown-Curtis, making partner in 1993. Her passion for disability rights led her to direct the Western Law Center for Disability Rights from 1997-2000.
Judgeships
Superior Court of Riverside County
In 2006, Codrington became a commissioner of the Superior Court of Riverside County. She was appointed Judge of the same court in 2007. She presided over civil, criminal and family law cases.
California Court of Appeal
In 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger nominated Codrington to the California 4th District Court of Appeal. After confirmation, she began her role as Associate Justice of Division Two. Codrington was retained in 2022 for another 12-year term.
Judicial Philosophy and Notable Decisions
Judicial Philosophy
Codrington is known for her pragmatic approach to the law. She carefully weighs the facts of each case and strives to reach fair verdicts. Codrington values diversity and believes judges should represent the communities they serve.
Notable Decisions
Education Cases
Codrington has authored key opinions in cases regarding school funding and education rights. She ruled in favor of English language learners having equal access to education opportunities.
Criminal Justice Cases
In criminal appeals, Codrington aims to balance public safety with individual rights and rehabilitation. She has ordered retrials in cases with evidentiary errors and tightened parole requirements for violent offenders.
Civil Rights Cases
Codrington has upheld expanded protections for disabled individuals in housing and employment. Her rulings have also strengthened anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation.
Political Affiliation and Views
Registered as Nonpartisan
As a California judge, Codrington is registered without a party affiliation. Judges in CA are required to be nonpartisan in registration and conduct. They pledge to interpret laws impartially.
Moderate Views
While nonpartisan, Codrington is considered a moderate judge. Her rulings tend to weigh real-world implications over ideological arguments from either side.
Support from Both Parties
Codrington has garnered praise from both Republicans and Democrats. Conservative groups applaud her tough stances on crime, while liberals approve of her progressive rulings on civil rights.
Personal Life
Family
Codrington resides in San Diego with her husband and two children. Her husband is a real estate attorney. Codrington has mentioned her family is the driving force behind her legal career.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside of the courtroom, Codrington enjoys tennis, piano, photography and travel. She is also involved in several civic organizations focused on youth mentoring and poverty reduction.
Conclusion
Judge Carol D. Codrington has navigated a nonpartisan path in her distinguished judicial career. While registered without a party affiliation, she is considered a pragmatic moderate on the bench. Codrington’s evenhanded rulings demonstrate her commitment to impartiality and fairness under the law. Going forward, her center-left jurisprudence will continue shaping key decisions at the California 4th District Court of Appeal.
FAQ
Is Judge Codrington a Republican or Democrat?
As a California judge, Codrington is officially nonpartisan and does not outwardly identify with any political party. However, her moderate approach likely aligns more with center-left Democrats.
What are some notable cases Codrington has ruled on?
Codrington has made significant rulings in cases related to education, criminal justice, civil rights, disability rights and more. Her decisions have supported both progressive and law-and-order positions.
How did Codrington become an appellate judge?
After serving as a trial judge, Codrington was nominated to the California 4th District Court of Appeal by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010. She was confirmed unanimously.
What is Codrington’s judicial philosophy?
Codrington is known for her pragmatic approach and weighing real-world implications in appellate cases. She strives for fairness and diversity in the justice system.
Is Judge Codrington actively involved in politics?
No, as a California judge Codrington is expressly nonpartisan. She does not endorse candidates or participate in partisan political activities. Her focus is impartiality in the courtroom.
