Since the economy muscled its way out of the Great Recession, many states are finding budget surpluses. This includes my state of Minnesota. Of course, everyone has descended on the legislature asking for some of the money. Of all the places to spend, I recommend funds for the court system. I’m biased because I work as a lawyer …
So what can I possibly add to the national debate about CIA torture? I can compare it to the practices that local police departments use to get confessions from suspects. I think you’ll be surprised at the direction and history these practices can teach us in the international arena.
Do police still use rubber hoses to get people …
Years ago, I worked as a prosecutor of serious crimes in the largest county in Minnesota. I had constant contact with police officers. People mistakenly think that police officers can charge serious crimes. They investigate, gather evidence, and interview potential witnesses. Then they bring that evidence to a prosecutor who makes the charging decision. From my experience, here …
I have worked for over 30 years as both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer—primarily with communities of color. Although I certainly don’t have any brilliant answers about the problems in Ferguson, MO, from my experience in the criminal justice system, there are three things I’ve learned.
1. Perceptions. The different perceptions between white clients and clients of …
Last post, I reviewed what goes on “behind the scenes” in a Grand Jury. You’re probably aware of the tragic killing of an unarmed black man, named Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Mo. by police officer Darren Wilson. The Grand Jury there did not issue an indictment charging Officer Wilson with any crime from the shooting.
What happened? What …
What really happened with the Grand Jury in Ferguson, MO? Unless you’ve missed all news in the past few days, you probably know that several months ago, a white cop,Officer Darren Wilson, shot and killed an unarmed black man named Michael Brown. After riots, sit-ins, violence, and hours of media time, a Grand Jury was called to review …
I know I’ve posted a lot about the Adrian Peterson case, but it continues to show the classic parts of any criminal case—and what went wrong. As you probably know, Adrian Peterson was charged in a Texas court with a felony charge for beating his child with a stick. He did not plead guilty, but agreed to a …
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