The Washington Post has disclosed sources saying that Democratic leadership, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were told of waterboarding in secret briefings in September 2002. While some have already denied any recollection of the discussion of waterboarding, the Post is reporting that such briefings occurred in 2002 and the only objection heard from members of Congress was whether the torture technique was harsh enough. Continue reading “Wash. Post: Democrats, including Pelosi, Told of Waterboarding in 2002”
In the immediate aftermath, one of the most curious responses of the Democrats has been the almost uniform call for an investigation of the destruction of the CIA tapes by the Bush Administration itself. Now, at least Sen. Joe Biden is calling for a special counsel. Continue reading “Bravo: Biden Calls for Special Counsel”
The bizarre case of Texas Lawyer Mary Roberts has captivated the bar and, with her testimony, did not disappoint those following the sordid details of the efforts by Roberts and her husband Ted Roberts. Both were rightfully labeled as two of the worst human beings to put a J.D. after their names (a tough competition). Remarkably, Mary Roberts still believes that it was perfectly legal to hold up her lovers under threat of public disclosure of their affairs. However, until she cited Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” in her testimony, I was not sure of the depth of her depravity. Continue reading “If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer Explains Her Effort to Extract Thousands from Former Lovers”
In light of the Larry Manzanares suicide case in Denver, this South Dakota case for a couple years ago may be illustrative. It got very little attention but should have. The South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in the suicide case of Kristi Dodson. At issue is an interesting question of the standard to apply to a suicidal mind and the concept of contributory negligence. Continue reading “South Dakota Supreme Court Rules that Suicide Case Not Subject to Reasonable Person Standard for Contributory Negligence”
The family of former judge and Denver City Attorney Larry Manzanares announced their intention to sue Jefferson County district attorney, Scott W. Storey, his deputy and an investigator for contributing to her husband’s death. It is a case that raises disturbing questions over the causes of suicide and the increasing tendency of prosecutors to play to the media in high-profile cases. Continue reading “Family of Former Judge and Denver City Attorney Sue District Attorney Over Suicide”
On a Saturday, the Justice Department and the CIA announced that they would conduct internal investigations of the destruction of the CIA interrogation tapes. The announcements are clearly designed to forestall an effort to have an independent counsel or independent investigation, which is clearly called for in this instance. Continue reading “Justice and CIA Launch Investigations into Destroyed Tapes”
As a general rule, it is good form not to destroy the courtroom during sentencing for a crime — a helpful hint for any future appearance of Antonio Rosales. Continue reading “Video: Child Rapist Destroys Courtroom After Sentencing”
Chicago has agreed to pay roughly $20 million to four former death row inmates who claimed they were tortured by Chicago police and wrongly convicted. Continue reading “Chicago to Pay $20 Million for Men Tortured by Police”
While the President insists that he has “no recollection” of being told about the plan to destroy CIA interrogation tapes, the White House admitted late Friday that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers knew. Continue reading “White House Knew of Plan to Destroy CIA Interrogation Tapes”
As noted earlier, Germany is moving toward a ban of Scientology. Now, both federal and state interior ministers have joined the effort to ban Scientology as a danger to the country and its citizens as a cult and criminal enterprise. Continue reading “Germany Takes Major Step Toward Ban of Scientology”
A lesbian couple has been denied the right to divorce in Rhode Island — seeking to dissolve a license from Massachusetts. While some could claim that anti-gay marriage advocates are now preserving such a union, the Rhode Island Supreme Court has ruled that there is no marriage to dissolve since in that state only men and women can marry. Continue reading “Lesbian Couple Loses Effort to Divorce in Rhode Island”
Teenager, Erik Crespo, used his MP3 player to secretly recorded an abusive interrogation by a New York Detective, Christopher Perino, that may not land the detective in jail for perjury. Continue reading “New York Detective Nailed on Perjury Charge By Teen MP3 Recording”
It appears that there may finally be prosecution for cyber-bullying in the infamous Megan Meier case, but not to protect the Meier family, but the woman accused of triggering her suicide: Lori Drew. Continue reading “Prosecution Finally Considered For Cyber-Bullying in Megan Meier Case: To Protect Lori Drew, the Alleged MySpace Hoaxster”
A video shows officers beating a suspect after a car chase after he had clearly surrendered and was not resisting. Two officers have been suspended. Continue reading “Shock Video: Two Miami-Dade Officers Suspended for Beating Suspect”
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down an interesting decision that rejects a defense of innocent possession of ammunition by a felon. James Baker of Wichita claims that he was in possession of a speed loader with bullets because he found it on the ground outside of a party and was in the process of turning it in. Continue reading “Court of Appeals Rejects Necessity and Innocence Defenses to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition”