‘But Judge’: Retired Bismarck Municipal Judge’s new book shares outrageous excuses, stories heard on the bench

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Judge William Severin never planned to be a judge.

The Bismarck native went away for college, then moved back and started building houses. But on a cold winter day in 1974, he realized he didn’t want to spend his life working outside in the elements.

So, he applied to law school, and by the early 80s, he was elected Bismarck Municipal Judge. He held that title until he retired last summer.

Now, he’s got a new title: author.

“I’ve got a lot of stories,” said Severin.

After more than four decades on the bench, Bismarck Municipal Judge William Severin has heard enough stories to write a book. So, he did.

“But Judge” is 64 pages of the best and most outrageous stories ever told in his courtroom.

“That’s what people say, ‘But Judge! But Judge, I have an excuse, bu