So often when I’ve represented people of color in the criminal justice system, they complain that they’ve been denied bail “just because I’m black.” (Or another color) There certainly is racism built into the criminal justice system at all stages, but what about bail and people of color? Why does it seem they remain in custody long after …
A friend of mine and I were talking about cops and people of color when she said, “Well, cops are trained to shoot first and ask questions later.” I wondered where she got that idea. TV news coverage? Somewhere in the media? Other friends? I’ve worked as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer in the criminal justice system …
I write mysteries and suspense stories. One of my inspirations, over the years, has been the old film, The Third Man. It’s come back to life and is getting attention in theaters. It should. Written by the great spy novelist, Grahame Green, The Third Man signaled a new type of film when it was first released in …
A few years ago when I met a new doctor who would become my primary physician, she asked me about my job. I told her I had worked as both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer. When she asked if my job was stressful, my immediate response was no—until I thought for a moment. Like many of you …
I know this may sound odd, but one of the more common questions I get as a criminal defense lawyer is: what’s it like to represent a sex offender?
After 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer, I’ve defended everyone you can imagine, charged with every kind of crime you can imagine. Still, I have to say that …
I’m sure you’ve heard of the local dentist in Minnesota named Walter Palmer who is accused of illegally shooting a lion, named Cecil, in Zimbabwe in Africa. See the story in the Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/ Here are the accusations: Dr. Palmer and two others (not clear who did what exactly) lured a protected lion, Cecil, out of a …
Here’s an interesting review of the new Harper Lee book, Go Set a Watchman from New York Times columnist, Joe Nocera at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/25/opinion/joe-nocera-the-watchman-fraud.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
He says the publication of Go Set a Watchman is a fraud on the reading public. Here are his points:
1. Harper Lee is 89, almost blind and deaf, and lives in a nursing home. …
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