Judge apologizes for berating pregnant lawyer who wore maternity clothes to court

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) _ A judge who berated a pregnant lawyer for showing up in his courtroom in maternity clothes has mailed her a letter of apology, a court spokeswoman said. <br/><br/>Pamela M. Roberson

Saturday, May 15th 2004, 10:42 am

By: News On 6

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) _ A judge who berated a pregnant lawyer for showing up in his courtroom in maternity clothes has mailed her a letter of apology, a court spokeswoman said.

Pamela M. Roberson was eight months pregnant when she attended a hearing on April 27 in an oversized white shirt and black pants.

According to court transcripts, Superior Court Judge Thomas N. Thrasher Sr. told Roberson her appearance ``leaves a lot to be desired, as far as your clothing is concerned.''

``My wardrobe options are pretty limited at this time, your honor,'' Roberson responded. ``I don't really appreciate your commenting on my appearance.''

Roberson's husband, Stuart H. Baggish, said he tried to reach Thrasher by phone as he was taking his wife home, but the judge wouldn't take his call. Thrasher's clerk asked instead that the couple return to the courthouse so the judge could apologize, but Baggish declined.

The couple's baby was born the next day, a month prematurely.

Superior Court spokeswoman Carole Levitzky said Thrasher mailed his letter on Friday, apologizing ``for any discomfort or embarrassment that may have resulted from his comment.''