U.S. District Judge William W. Schwarzer, a judge with a reputation for imposing strict sentences, surprised everyone in his San Francisco courtroom when he emotionally wept as he sentenced Richard Anderson, an Oakland longshoreman. Anderson, who was a first-time offender, received a ten-year prison term without parole for giving a ride to a drug dealer, which was perceived as a minor misjudgment. The entire courtroom was taken aback by the contrast between Schwarzer's usual stoic demeanor and his visible emotional turmoil during the sentencing process.

This case highlights the harshness of the justice system, particularly in regard to drug-related offenses. It underscores the struggles of those caught in a complex web of consequences stemming from marginal actions, such as Anderson's. The disparity between the severity of the sentence and the nature of the offense raises questions about the fairness and proportionality of legal punishments, prompting deeper reflections on the impact of such decisions on individuals and communities.