An incisive look at life both in and out of the courtroom, From the Other Side of the Bench tells the story of one man’s extraordinary life of service.

Hon. Peter Leavitt’s story begins with his colorful upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and returns to this theme throughout to explain how he came to his judicial decisions as well as how he came to live his life.

Intriguingly, Leavitt begins his career as a stand-up comedian. After working as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, his career leads him to a position as a trial judge. There, he is tasked with overseeing some high-profile cases, including the 1996 court case of an off-duty, white policeman sentenced to twenty years to life for murdering a young black man in a fight over a parking space.

Leavitt’s fascinating life also includes service with the US Army and the New York Guard and volunteer work as a firefighter, Red Cross instructor, and a certified EMT.

Informative as it is entertaining, this sparkling memoir raises important questions about the choices we make, illustrating how the family we are born into and those we meet along the way form the people we become.

About the Author

Hon. Peter M. Leavitt graduated with a bachelor's degree from New York University before earning his juris doctorate from Fordham Law School.

During his career, he has been both in front of and behind the bench, having worked in the Brooklyn and Westchester County District Attorney's Offices, in private practice as a defense attorney, and as a Town Judge, a County Court Judge, and an Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice.

In addition to his work in the courtroom, Leavitt served for ten years as a volunteer firefighter, where he retired as a captain, and ten years as a certified EMT. He was also activated as a Red Cross volunteer at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and has served as a Red Cross hurricane shelter chairman in Florida.

Leavitt is an army veteran who later joined the New York Guard before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2003.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

ThriftBooks is a fully independent seller of used books, having sold more than 160 million used and new books since we started in 2003. Each quality used book is sorted, graded, shelved and shipped by hand by our team of dedicated employees in our seven warehouses across the US. We have the best selection of books, in the right condition and format, at everyday low prices. We also have a dedicated, US-based Customer Service team, ranked in the top three by Newsweek for Best Customer Service in 2018 and 2019, so you can shop with confidence. We support and invest in our employees, appreciate and value our customers, and truly believe in the power of the written word to educate, energize, and engage readers of all ages and interests.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Thrift Books Global, LLC
18300 Cascade Ave S, Ste 150, Seattle, WA, 98188, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described
on the Abebooks website. If you're dissatisfied with your
purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the
order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30
days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your
mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the "Ask
bookseller a question link to contact us" and we'll respond
as soon as possible.

Shipping Terms

All domestic Standard shipments are distributed from our warehouses by OSM, then handed off to the USPS for final delivery.

2-Day Shipping is delivered by FedEx, which does not deliver to PO boxes.

International shipments are tendered to the local postal service in the destination country for final delivery – We do not use courier services for international deliveries.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	4 to 8 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 0.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.