The Stanislaus County League of Women Voters has launched a new book club at the Salida public library, featuring retired judge and author LaDoris Hazzard Cordell as its first guest. Cordell, who became the first Black woman to serve as a judge in Northern California in 1982, expressed her appreciation for being invited. “It’s an honor to be asked to participate in this, to kick off their first book club,” Cordell said.
Denise Nordell, a member of the Stanislaus County League of Women Voters and organizer of the book club, explained that she hopes the initiative will encourage residents to view the League differently and promote greater participation in government. “With the 250th anniversary of the country coming up, it seemed like a good idea to think more deeply about democracy and our role in it, as individuals and as citizens and as women,” Nordell said. She added that recent actions by the National League of Women Voters—such as issuing a statement on the Federal judiciary for the first time—made focusing on courts an appropriate starting point.
Cordell discussed some of her experiences breaking barriers within the legal profession. “Being the first, if you’re a woman, if you’re someone of color, in a profession where we are not generally there, there’s a lot of pressure,” she said.
Her book, “Her Honor: My Life on the Bench…What Works, What’s Broken, and How to Change It,” provides insight into her two decades as a trial judge. Cordell described it as both personal and objective: “I wrote, very personally and as objectively as I can, about the judiciary, specifically about trial court judges, because I believe trial court judges, we’re the People’s Court.” The book covers real cases from her career while offering her assessment on strengths and weaknesses within the judicial system.
“I want folks to become educated about our legal system,” Cordell said. “I want to entertain them — because some of the things in there are amusing, stunning, shocking — and I want them to be energized.”
Book club participants will have an opportunity to ask Cordell questions regarding her book and views on how courts operate. According to Cordell, much of her writing was inspired by letters she wrote home during her years on the bench.
In addition to her judicial work and writing career, Cordell is also co-founder of the African American Composer Initiative.
Looking ahead, Nordell mentioned plans for rotating future meetings across different areas within Stanislaus County such as Turlock and Oakdale. The club aims to select one book per quarter but has not yet chosen its next title. Reflecting on Cordell’s participation at their inaugural event Nordell remarked: “Judge Cordell has set the bar pretty high for us now.”
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at Salida public library (4835 Sisk Rd.). Attendance is free but advance registration is requested by organizers.
