Like many, I am still waiting for the evidence used as the basis to charge the six officers in Baltimore for the death of Freddie Gray. This morning, however, I was disturbed to read that an effort to create a fundraising site for the defense of the officers was taken down on GoFundMe. It appears that the site has a very questionable standard for funding that does not afford accused parties a presumption of innocence in asking for support to fund their defense.
The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police created a GoFundMe page for the six officers after they were charged Friday. However, less than an hour later, it was taken down.
After 41 minutes, it has only raised $1,135 — considerably short of the $600,000 goal.
There is no confirmation on who is responsible. However, the site states the following : “‘Campaigns in defense of formal charges of heinous crimes’ are prohibited by our terms . . . GoFundMe cannot be used to benefit those who are charged with serious violations of the law.” Really? Why? I was under the impression that people were given a presumption of innocence in this country. Why shouldn’t this site be used to help guarantee a fair trial for anyone facing prosecution? Moreover, how do you define a serious violation? Clearly, this case would qualify but where is the line drawn?
This is a site that is designed to help people organize in making donations to support different causes. Giving such charity is a positive act, including giving money to guarantee a fully funded defense. Our criminal justice system is a foundational part of our society. It reflects our commitment to the rule of law. Central to that institution is the presumption of innocence. I find this policy of GoFundMe to be inexplicable and distasteful. Many people want to support the criminal justice system as much as environmental or other causes. The policy makes, in my view, an arbitrary and biased decision in barring those who are accused of serious offenses by the government. It should equally presumably bar those who are viewed as victims of government abuse like journalists or whistleblowers.
I also was a bit concerned to read Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby comments telling protesters: “I heard your calls for, ‘No Justice, No peace.’ Your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of this young man.” I generally think it is a bad idea for prosecutors to directly respond to public protests demanding criminal charges. Such protests should not have an influence on the decision to prosecute and it is always a concern, as with Mike Nifong in the Duke case, where prosecutors are seen as too responsive to public demands for criminal charges. This is not meant to suggest that a criminal case cannot be made but these press conferences can undermine the integrity of a prosecution if the chief prosecutor is viewed as too influenced by external events or demands.
Duke Lacrosse players-part 2!
Police officer Brian Moore died today after he was shot in the face by a skell who could have just as easily been Freddie Grey or Michael Brown.
Cue the rejoicing of those who hate the police and can post some videos celebrating the criminal element that they want to be unmolested as they victimize their own communities.
I wonder if these six defendants can get a fair trial in Baltimore. Perhaps the trial should be moved to another location–or would it make any difference. It seems they’ve already been condemned (as least a couple will be). I pray justice will be done for all concerned in this tragedy.
terry seale, Indeed. Roy Black, or an attorney like him, will rip this prosecutor a new an a-hole. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Roy Black of Miami can make quick work of this political prosecution.
Reblogged this on Catholic Glasses.
Wade, I watched that live last night, but I didn’t see the actual pepper spray to his face at the time, wow, despicable. Then to grab him by the hair and yank him down like that and drag him face first on the pavement. Disgusting brutality.
Dusty’s choice of video is worth repeating. Have you ever seen such heroes! Such bravery! I bet they made their mama proud. Thank god they had about forty-two strong cops available to bring down the guy in the dangerous t-shirt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=UUkffs7dlQWuM3HKUM4LeMVA&v=DULjK6_bUQw
This crowd sickens me.
Yes. I guess any mention of census data is too too thuggish for the Turley blog.
Slammin liberals is just fine however – as is the racist bile regurgitated by citizen X.
http://youtu.be/HiRni994hbA
This cranky cop doesn’t want anyone to have any fun.
@WadeW
Oh, it happened to me twice today on this very thread. The moderators don’t have much choice because some of us (me included, sometimes) get too personal. After it happened, I just cussed a few times, and then rubbed some lotion on my bottom. Now, it doesn’t hurt anymore!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Well it is an interesting presentation of frontier justice on the Turley blog. Any odds on who had their wittle feelings hurt?
@WadeW
Well, this is some pretty groovy music for all the old hippy types here. Everybody says it reminds them of the 60’s. Sooo, I like just discovered Mazzy Star last night, and they are KEWL!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo5SQHIhUGc
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Wade as long as they didn’t shackle you and throw you in the paddy wagon head first…… then take you on a nickel ride.
I think it’s preferable to discuss musical theatre and what Bernstein/Sondheim songs bring a tear to me eye. Me? I prefer Sweeny Todd.
uh oh. Someone called the cops. Lots of sensitive feelings around here.
Oh, and since this is a legal blog, I found this youtube hearing which is relevant. It is by Taleeb Starkes, a black dude, who wrote a book, which I just ordered. I tried to find out more about him before I ordered the book, and this popped up! Which I think is hilarious, but will probably send a few people here to their “safe space.”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB–BC71ueU
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
@NickS
The last time I was here, didn’t I set up a Hugs For Thugs program??? For liberal white folks to go to the hood on Friday and Saturday nights to hug young blacks, and tell them how much they loved them???
And didn’t I encourage them to take their cell phones and extra cash in case any of the young people needed to borrow a phone??? Or buy food,because they were starving??? And take their young teenage daughters and grand-daughters, too, sooo that the young people could all “connect.”
IIRC, no one was interested. Imagine that!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Prestidigitation is entertaining…if nothing else.