Via the New York Lawyer, Acting Supreme Court Justice Charles Tejada died on December 24th.  He was one of the good ones.

I had the honor of trying a few cases before Justice Tejada.  He not only gave me a good trial, but he was a pleasure to work with.  A judge of utmost integrity and intelligence, and a pleasant and respectful man as well.  When I called him “your honor,” I meant it.

Justice Tejada was 64, but looked 50.  Thin and fit, I would have never expected him to die so young.  I didn’t know him well enough to have any personal knowledge of his health, but I knew him well enough to know that when a case was sent before him for hearing and trial, it was your lucky day.  You were assured that he would give you a fair shake and if you made your case, would suppress, dismiss, whatever was right.  This is a rare attribute.

Justice Charles Tejada will be missed.