S3 Eps 18: Inside the Court of Criminal Appeals with Judge Bert Richardson

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Judge Bert Richardson of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—Texas' highest criminal court—for a wide-ranging, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation. From the intricacies of writs and actual innocence rulings to statewide judicial campaigns and aerial photography, Judge Richardson shares a lifetime of experiences both inside and outside the courtroom.

We explore the significance of wrongful convictions, the inner workings of Texas’ criminal appellate system, the impact of politicizing the judiciary, and what it really means to be a judge in Texas today. Plus—yes—there’s cake, gout, and an epic courtroom tour invite.

Show Highlights:

• 🎂 Amanda’s Birthday Cake Saga: Episode 2 of the dessert-fueled tribute (and Karl's 10% increase in diabetes risk)
• ⚖️ What Is the Court of Criminal Appeals?: The true role of Texas’ highest criminal court and how it differs from the Supreme Court
• 🧾 Judge vs. Justice: Clearing up the judicial terminology confusion
• 📍 Life in the Court: Where the justices work, how they collaborate, and why some can’t visit each other's offices
• ✍️ Writs 101: Understanding habeas corpus, actual innocence, and the real process behind high-profile exonerations
• 📚 The Kerry Max Cook Case: A decades-long saga of wrongful conviction, misconduct, and eventual exoneration
• 📷 Photography Hobby: Judge Richardson’s hidden life as a sports and aviation photographer
• ✈️ Flying, Track Meets & Warbirds: How photography and the Air Force shaped his life and career
• 🗳️ Elections vs. Appointments: A candid discussion about the pros and cons of electing judges in Texas
• 🧠 A Day in the Life of a Judge: Monk-like solitude, Tuesday morning conferences, and behind-the-scenes court operations
• 🏃‍♂️ The 100-Yard Dash Debate: Who’s faster—Peter or Karl? (The jury's still out)

Final Thoughts:
Judge Richardson reflects on decades of public service, the evolution of Texas’ courts, and the unexpected adventures that came from staying curious—and staying grounded. Whether you're a legal nerd or just here for the banter, this is an episode you won't want to miss.