MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) -- Scott Peterson's double-murder trial will be presided over by a retired

MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) -- Scott Peterson's double-murder trial will be presided over by a retired judge known for evenhanded treatment of suspects and praised for work in another high-profile case.
Richard E. Arnason, 82, was selected Wednesday by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George, in part because of his experience in handling major trials, including the sensational 1970s murder trial of black militant Angela Davis.
Court officials opted for a retired judge to avoid slowing down other trials.
Arnason took the Davis trial after five other judges either withdrew or were disqualified. Davis, a former member of the Communist Party, was acquitted of plotting a bloody courthouse shootout during the trial of three black prisoners accused of killing a prison guard.
Arnason is known for an exhaustive work ethic, his fair treatment of defendants and a civil demeanor. Convicted felons have been known to hug Arnason, write him letters from prison or thank him for their sentences. In turn, he refers to defendants as "sir" or "ma'am" and does not allow them to be shackled in his courtroom.