Jerry Pacht

Mendel Jerome Pacht (January 24, 1922 – April 1, 1997) was an American judge who served on the California Superior Court. Pacht proclaimed himself an "activist" and was known for dismissing a charge of public drunkenness against a defendant, ruling that alcoholism was a disease and not a crime.

Pacht was born in Los Angeles and earned a bachelor's degree at UCLA, worked briefly at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, then joined the Army as a lieutenant during World War II. He had a desire to become a singer, but instead earned a law degree at USC after the war. He became a litigation lawyer, specializing in publishing and entertainment. He was married to Judith Pacht. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 1, 1997, in Santa Monica, California.