LaDoris Cordell has racked up quite a few firsts in her decades-spanning legal career: In 1982 she became the first black woman judge to serve on any court in Northern California. Then six years later after a successful election bid she became the first black superior court judge in Santa Clara County’s history.

But these firsts are more than mere historical footnotes: As Cordell recounts in her newly released memoir, the background and life experience that she brought to the bench equipped her to spot failings in the criminal justice system that many others had left unaddressed. On this edition of KCBS In Depth, we discuss that memoir -- "Her Honor: My Life on the Bench...What Works, What's Broken, and How to Change It" -- and we also consider what reform work is still left to be done. 

Host: Keith Menconi