A well-known, experienced jurist who has presided over some of the court’s most high-profile cases is stepping down. Judge Louis R. Hanoian is retiring after serving more than 27 years on the bench. Appointed to the municipal bench in 1993 by then-governor Pete Wilson, Judge Hanoian elevated to the Superior Court in 1998 through court consolidation. Assigned to the East County courthouse at the beginning of his judicial career, he has spent the remainder of his time on the bench at the Central Courthouse downtown. Described as approachable and knowledgeable, Judge Hanoian is known for his expertise in criminal law. In the 1980s, as a California Deputy Attorney General, Judge Hanoian argued before the US Supreme Court and was named State Prosecutor of the Year for his appellate work, which resulted in the execution of Robert Alton Harris. Harris was put to death in 1992, becoming the first person to be executed by the State of California in 25 years. He has handled numerous high-profile cases including People v. William New (2005); the case of the defendant charged with killing two wives 30 years apart in two jurisdictions. Most recently he presided over People v. Donte Haddock & Anthony Frank (2019); a case in which the defendants were charged with the murders of two rival gang members in two separate incidents two years apart. (MORE) Superior Court of California, County of San Diego NEWS RELEASE Page 2 of 2 2/19/2020 “After 27 years as a trial court judge, it is time to turn the reins over to the next generation. I will continue to serve California as an assigned judge, just not on a full-time basis. It has become a cliché for one to say they are honored and grateful to have had an opportunity to serve the cause of justice. I am honored, grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve the cause of justice in California for the past 40 years, first as a Deputy Attorney General and more recently as a judge. I am grateful to Attorney General George Deukmejian for hiring me as a Deputy Attorney General. I am grateful to Governor Pete Wilson for appointing me. I am grateful to the citizens of San Diego County for returning me to office at each prior election cycle. I have striven to provide all who have come before me during my time in office with a fair opportunity to resolve their grievances,” says Judge Hanoian. “Judge Hanoian has served the San Diego Superior Court with excellent distinction. He is a mentor to all judges, on both evidence and ethical issues and his departure will be a loss to our court.” says Presiding Judge Lorna Alksne A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, Judge Hanoian received his undergraduate and a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. He has presided over more than 400 jury trials and is looking forward to retirement. “No firm plans aside from sleeping in and interfering in my adult children’s lives. I will occasionally sit by assignment in trial courts in Southern California and I will travel. I have been dabbling in making furniture and plan to research some family history.” Judge Hanoian’s last day is February 20, 2020.