What a difference 30 years makes in our criminal justice system!!
When I first started practicing criminal law in the late 70’s, I worked as both a prosecutor and a Public Defender. I appeared before at least 60 different judges in the adult and juvenile courts. The things I used to see…
Today, in the county where I …
My jazz group played for a judge’s retirement party here in Minnesota. Of course, we loved playing and it was a great party–if you like big groups of judges and lawyers!!
Many people don’t know that judges often retire with strategic purposes in mind, besides simply quitting their jobs.
To understand, it’s important to remember that, at the …
In my years of lawyering, I’ve appeared before dozens of judges. Here in Minnesota, most of them are diligent, fair, and work hard. However, there are a few judges who are definitely biased and do and say inappropriate things in court. If you are scheduled to appear before one of the bad ones, what can your lawyer do …
I’ve posted about prosecutors and how they might win/lose cases but what about defense lawyers? Do defense lawyers have tricks or are they so good ts “misleading” the jury that they can win all the time?
It’s important to remember that a trial is not about proving innocence. At the end of a trial, the jury is instructed …
With the tragic shooting in Tucson last week, I thought I’d comment on the violence in the courtrooms…or lack of it and why that should give us all hope.
I’m always amazed at the lack of violence toward public officials in courtrooms today. In most states, judges are still elected offices. When violence happens, it makes the news …
Hopefully, you’ll never have to go to court for any reason, but sometimes, you can’t avoid it. What things should you do to prepare for the experience? (Especially if you don’t have a lawyer) How can you make it easier?
1. Be early. Yes, I know you’ll probably sit around for a long time, but here’s what can …
For years in Hennepin County, the largest in Minnesota, on the night before Christmas one judge always volunteered for duty.
Judge Jack Gill insisted on handling the misdemeanor calendars for those days. Now deceased, Judge Gill even looked the part of a small Santa Claus. He had a halo of white hair, large glasses, a small nose, and …
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