From Debra Cassens Weiss at ABA Journal:
Legal blogger David Lat, founding editor of Above the Law, says there may be good reason for lawyers to panic, but they will ultimately survive.
Speaking to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, Lat admitted news of layoffs and other job woes at Above the Law can be anxiety-inducing, according to the Legal Pad blog. But there’s a good reason, he said. “If people are panicked, it’s because there are reasons to panic.”
Lat managed to be “both depressing and extremely jovial at the same time,” according to Legal Pad’s account of his talk. Lat said BigLaw salaries will be decreasing, lockstep promotions are on the way out, and the golden age of the legal profession is likely ending.
Yet the legal profession and lawyers will survive, at least in some form, Lat said. “At the end of the day, lawyers, we are like cockroaches. You can’t kill us.”
Tampilkan postingan dengan label justice. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label justice. Tampilkan semua postingan
Jumat, 10 April 2009
Selasa, 07 April 2009
Killer's Letter: 'Have Nice Day'
From K. C. Wildmoon at CNN:
The suspect in last week's deadly shooting at a Binghamton, New York, immigrant center believed he had been harassed for years by undercover police officers, according to a letter received by a New York television station and purportedly written by that suspect, Jiverly Wong.
Police said they were studying the two-page letter, neatly written in broken English, to determine its authenticity. But the package that arrived Monday at News 10 Now in Syracuse also contained photographs of Wong with two handguns, his gun permit and his driver's license. . . . "I am Jiverly Wong shooting the people," the letter begins followed by an apology that "I know a little English." What follows is details of Wong's beliefs that undercover police had taunted him, tortured him and spread rumors about him wherever he went. . . .
At the end of the letter, Wong complained that he cannot "accept my poor life" and that he assume the role of judge and "cut my poor life." He demanded that an "undercover cop" be held responsible for whatever happened and ended with "You have a nice day."
The suspect in last week's deadly shooting at a Binghamton, New York, immigrant center believed he had been harassed for years by undercover police officers, according to a letter received by a New York television station and purportedly written by that suspect, Jiverly Wong.
Police said they were studying the two-page letter, neatly written in broken English, to determine its authenticity. But the package that arrived Monday at News 10 Now in Syracuse also contained photographs of Wong with two handguns, his gun permit and his driver's license. . . . "I am Jiverly Wong shooting the people," the letter begins followed by an apology that "I know a little English." What follows is details of Wong's beliefs that undercover police had taunted him, tortured him and spread rumors about him wherever he went. . . .
At the end of the letter, Wong complained that he cannot "accept my poor life" and that he assume the role of judge and "cut my poor life." He demanded that an "undercover cop" be held responsible for whatever happened and ended with "You have a nice day."
Jumat, 03 April 2009
Should Alaska Senator Resign?
From Erika Bolstad in the Anchorage Daily News:
The head of the Alaska Republican Party today called on Sen. Mark Begich to step down from the U.S. Senate, saying that the state's voters would have re-elected former Sen. Ted Stevens had they known the U.S Department of Justice would abandon its prosecution of him.
The party chairman, Randy Ruedrich, said that the only reason Begich won his race was because "a few thousand Alaskans thought that Senator Stevens was guilty of seven felonies."
He added that he thought Begich should step down "so Alaskans may have the chance to vote for a senator without the improper influence of the corrupt Department of Justice."
Gov. Sarah Palin concurs with Ruedrich and believes a special election is appropriate, said a spokeswoman for Palin's political action committee, Meg Stapleton. "I absolutely agree," Palin said in a statement.
The head of the Alaska Republican Party today called on Sen. Mark Begich to step down from the U.S. Senate, saying that the state's voters would have re-elected former Sen. Ted Stevens had they known the U.S Department of Justice would abandon its prosecution of him.
The party chairman, Randy Ruedrich, said that the only reason Begich won his race was because "a few thousand Alaskans thought that Senator Stevens was guilty of seven felonies."
He added that he thought Begich should step down "so Alaskans may have the chance to vote for a senator without the improper influence of the corrupt Department of Justice."
Gov. Sarah Palin concurs with Ruedrich and believes a special election is appropriate, said a spokeswoman for Palin's political action committee, Meg Stapleton. "I absolutely agree," Palin said in a statement.
Rabu, 01 April 2009
Sen. Stevens Charges Dropped
From Nina Totenberg at NPR:
The Justice Department on Wednesday asked a federal judge to drop all charges against former Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska.
A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate. However, he lost his bid for an eighth full term in office just days after he was convicted. Since then, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial.
In a move first reported by NPR, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said he has decided to drop the case against Stevens rather than continue to defend the conviction in the face of persistent problems stemming from the actions of prosecutors.
"After careful review, I have concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial," Holder said in a statement Wednesday. "In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial." . . . Stevens said, "I always knew that there would be a day when the cloud that surrounded me would be removed. That day has finally come. It is unfortunate that an election was affected by proceedings now recognized as unfair. It was my great honor to serve the State of Alaska in the United States Senate for 40 years." . . .
"The Department of Justice must always ensure that any case in which it is involved is handled fairly and consistent with its commitment to justice," Holder said in his statement.
The Justice Department on Wednesday asked a federal judge to drop all charges against former Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska.
A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate. However, he lost his bid for an eighth full term in office just days after he was convicted. Since then, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial.
In a move first reported by NPR, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said he has decided to drop the case against Stevens rather than continue to defend the conviction in the face of persistent problems stemming from the actions of prosecutors.
"After careful review, I have concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial," Holder said in a statement Wednesday. "In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial." . . . Stevens said, "I always knew that there would be a day when the cloud that surrounded me would be removed. That day has finally come. It is unfortunate that an election was affected by proceedings now recognized as unfair. It was my great honor to serve the State of Alaska in the United States Senate for 40 years." . . .
"The Department of Justice must always ensure that any case in which it is involved is handled fairly and consistent with its commitment to justice," Holder said in his statement.
Coleman To Fight On
From Manu Rahu at Politico:
After seven weeks of reviewing a hand recount, millions spent on legal fees and a tough legal ruling Tuesday afternoon, Norm Coleman still looks like the loser in the Minnesota Senate race.
But even as Democrat Al Franken’s campaign celebrated a three-judge panel’s decision to put at most 400 ballots back in play, the Coleman camp is still promising to take its case to the Minnesota Supreme Court. And it’s not ruling out an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court or filing a new lawsuit in federal district court.
Ben Ginsberg, a central player for George W. Bush during the 2000 Florida recount and Coleman’s lawyer, said, “If the court does not reverse its decision, it will give us no choice but to appeal that order to the Minnesota Supreme Court.” And Ginsberg said it was “an open legal question” on whether the candidate leading after the Minnesota Supreme Court rules should be certified the winner and thus be seated in the Senate. In its ruling Tuesday, the three-judge panel ordered absentee ballots to be turned over to the Minnesota secretary of state’s office by April 6. The ballots would then be counted in open court by April 7.
Once the ballots are counted on April 7, the court will very likely issue a final opinion, which can be appealed to the state Supreme Court within 10 days.
That means Minnesota will most likely be without a second senator for at least the rest of April, a boon to the GOP, which is trying to prevent Democrats from getting their 59th seat in a chamber where 60 is king.
After seven weeks of reviewing a hand recount, millions spent on legal fees and a tough legal ruling Tuesday afternoon, Norm Coleman still looks like the loser in the Minnesota Senate race.
But even as Democrat Al Franken’s campaign celebrated a three-judge panel’s decision to put at most 400 ballots back in play, the Coleman camp is still promising to take its case to the Minnesota Supreme Court. And it’s not ruling out an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court or filing a new lawsuit in federal district court.
Ben Ginsberg, a central player for George W. Bush during the 2000 Florida recount and Coleman’s lawyer, said, “If the court does not reverse its decision, it will give us no choice but to appeal that order to the Minnesota Supreme Court.” And Ginsberg said it was “an open legal question” on whether the candidate leading after the Minnesota Supreme Court rules should be certified the winner and thus be seated in the Senate. In its ruling Tuesday, the three-judge panel ordered absentee ballots to be turned over to the Minnesota secretary of state’s office by April 6. The ballots would then be counted in open court by April 7.
Once the ballots are counted on April 7, the court will very likely issue a final opinion, which can be appealed to the state Supreme Court within 10 days.
That means Minnesota will most likely be without a second senator for at least the rest of April, a boon to the GOP, which is trying to prevent Democrats from getting their 59th seat in a chamber where 60 is king.
Selasa, 31 Maret 2009
April Fools' Holiday
This one is making the rounds and it gave me a chuckle:
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays.
He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge.
After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the Ruling, "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."
The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day... Court is adjourned.
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays.
He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge.
After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the Ruling, "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."
The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day... Court is adjourned.
Sabtu, 28 Maret 2009
World's 'Dumbest Criminal' Snagged
From AOL and the Associated Press:
A retired police chief said he was robbed by "probably the dumbest criminal in Pennsylvania," at a police officers' convention on Friday morning.
John Comparetto said as he came out of a stall in the men's room, a man pointed a gun in his face and demanded money. There were 300 narcotics officers from Pennsylvania and Ohio at the gathering.
Skip over this content Comparetto gave up his money and cell phone. But when the man, identified as Jerome Marquis Blanchet, fled, Comparetto and some colleagues chased him. They arrested a 19-year-old man as he was trying to leave in a taxi.
Blanchet is also awaiting trial on four previous robbery charges.
Blanchet was arraigned and taken to Dauphin County Prison. When a reporter asked the suspect for comment as he was led out of court, he said, "I'm smooth."
A retired police chief said he was robbed by "probably the dumbest criminal in Pennsylvania," at a police officers' convention on Friday morning.
John Comparetto said as he came out of a stall in the men's room, a man pointed a gun in his face and demanded money. There were 300 narcotics officers from Pennsylvania and Ohio at the gathering.
Skip over this content Comparetto gave up his money and cell phone. But when the man, identified as Jerome Marquis Blanchet, fled, Comparetto and some colleagues chased him. They arrested a 19-year-old man as he was trying to leave in a taxi.
Blanchet is also awaiting trial on four previous robbery charges.
Blanchet was arraigned and taken to Dauphin County Prison. When a reporter asked the suspect for comment as he was led out of court, he said, "I'm smooth."
Law Partner Pay Cuts
From the online ABA Journal of the American Bar Association:
Associates and staff were low-hanging fruit waiting to be cut in law firm layoffs. Start dates for new attorneys have been delayed, salaries have been frozen and benefits formerly taken for granted have been axed. At least one well-known law firm has even reduced the coffee service offered at its Chicago headquarters.
But now BigLaw partnerships seeking to stabilize their finances amidst a global economic free fall are getting down to the nitty-gritty. A growing number of major firms are reducing partner pay, Bloomberg reports.
Cuts in partner compensation have recently been announced at Allen & Overy, Dewey & LeBoeuf and DLA Piper, and could well be quietly under way at other major international firms, too, according to the news agency.
“It’s hard to get rid of a partner, so cutting pay is a simple way of sending a message that maybe people ought to think about moving toward the door,” says attorney Bruce MacEwen, a New York City-based legal consultant.
Partners at a number of top London-based international law firms have been warned to expect their compensation to drop as much as one-third this year, compared to 2008, the Evening Standard reported in January.
Associates and staff were low-hanging fruit waiting to be cut in law firm layoffs. Start dates for new attorneys have been delayed, salaries have been frozen and benefits formerly taken for granted have been axed. At least one well-known law firm has even reduced the coffee service offered at its Chicago headquarters.
But now BigLaw partnerships seeking to stabilize their finances amidst a global economic free fall are getting down to the nitty-gritty. A growing number of major firms are reducing partner pay, Bloomberg reports.
Cuts in partner compensation have recently been announced at Allen & Overy, Dewey & LeBoeuf and DLA Piper, and could well be quietly under way at other major international firms, too, according to the news agency.
“It’s hard to get rid of a partner, so cutting pay is a simple way of sending a message that maybe people ought to think about moving toward the door,” says attorney Bruce MacEwen, a New York City-based legal consultant.
Partners at a number of top London-based international law firms have been warned to expect their compensation to drop as much as one-third this year, compared to 2008, the Evening Standard reported in January.
Selasa, 24 Maret 2009
Barney: Scalia A Homophobe
From the Associated Press:
Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a "homophobe" in a recent interview with the gay news Web site 365gay.com.
The Democratic lawmaker, who is gay, was discussing gay marriage and his expectation that the high court would some day be called upon to decide whether the Constitution allows the federal government to deny recognition to same-sex marriages.
"I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court," said Frank. The video of the interview is available online.
Frank's office did not respond to a request Monday to expand on his remark. Scalia also had no comment.
Scalia dissented from the court's ruling in 2003 that struck down state laws banning consensual sodomy. He has complained about judges, rather than elected officials, deciding questions of morality about which the Constitution is silent.
Controversial topics like gay rights and abortion should not be in the hands of judges, he has said, calling on people to persuade their legislatures or amend the Constitution.
Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a "homophobe" in a recent interview with the gay news Web site 365gay.com.
The Democratic lawmaker, who is gay, was discussing gay marriage and his expectation that the high court would some day be called upon to decide whether the Constitution allows the federal government to deny recognition to same-sex marriages.
"I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court," said Frank. The video of the interview is available online.
Frank's office did not respond to a request Monday to expand on his remark. Scalia also had no comment.
Scalia dissented from the court's ruling in 2003 that struck down state laws banning consensual sodomy. He has complained about judges, rather than elected officials, deciding questions of morality about which the Constitution is silent.
Controversial topics like gay rights and abortion should not be in the hands of judges, he has said, calling on people to persuade their legislatures or amend the Constitution.
NJ Debate Targets Jurist
From Josh Margolin in the Newark Star-Ledger:Slim, slight and studious, Barry Albin can walk down just about any street in New Jersey without being recognized. But that may soon change. Albin, one of seven justices on the New Jersey Supreme Court, is about to become a lightning rod in what promises to be a tough gubernatorial campaign.
The 56-year-old jurist is the only member of the court due to be nominated for lifetime tenure before Election Day. And he's already being targeted by Republican candidates as a symbol of too much judicial activism in New Jersey.
"Not only do we look forward to it (the hearing process), we intend on making it an issue, and I want to make sure that Barry Albin is not reconfirmed," said Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan.
Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, the other leading Republican in the governor's race, said Albin's record and questions about Supreme Court nominations are "a legitimate part of the debate. The constitution set it up that way. It is an absolutely appropriate matter to be discussed in a gubernatorial campaign. There are many things this court has done over the years that have tied the hands of the governor and the Legislature." . . .
Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee that holds the confirmation hearings, said he has told Corzine's staff he plans to gavel the Albin hearing to order in June. Sarlo insisted he is "not going to allow this to turn into a political circus" but will let Republican senators engage in detailed questioning.
"I'm going to give all the members ample opportunity to ask their questions and discuss the work that he has done on the bench," Sarlo said.
Sarlo said he realizes Albin's tenure process will be the appetizer for Republicans who have long railed at the court for pushing everything from billions in school funding for poor school districts to civil unions for same-sex couples. Just last week, the court disappointed GOP leaders by unanimously refusing to consider their appeal of a decision saying Corzine does not have release e-mails he exchanged with former state workers union leader Carla Katz.
The GOP's main course, Sarlo said, will be this fall's gubernatorial race because the next governor will be responsible for nominating or renominating four of the seven justices, as two will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 and two others will be at the end of their initial seven-year terms. . . .
New Jersey's Supreme Court, modeled on the nation's high court, has the final word on interpreting state law and the Garden State's constitution. The justices are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
Albin, who was both a prosecutor and prominent criminal defense lawyer before coming to the bench, was nominated by his friend, then-Gov. James E. McGreevey, in 2002. A prolific writer of more than 100 majority opinions and author of controversial decisions including the civil unions case, Albin has helped decide hot-button issues from the moment he joined the court.
One of the first oral arguments he heard was in the groundbreaking case that allowed state Democrats to ignore statutory deadlines and replace U.S. Sen. Bob Torricelli on the 2002 ballot. Albin also has voted with the majority of justices on key cases on mandatory funding for poor school districts and allowing state authorities to borrow money without voter approval.
Conservatives like Lonegan take issue with what he calls Albin's "activist" judicial philosophy, saying he tries to make law rather than interpret existing law.
"Now it's time to hold him accountable," Lonegan said.
Christie said he has not yet studied Albin's record closely, though he was emphatic "the court has no business legislating. The court has no business making new law."
The 56-year-old jurist is the only member of the court due to be nominated for lifetime tenure before Election Day. And he's already being targeted by Republican candidates as a symbol of too much judicial activism in New Jersey.
"Not only do we look forward to it (the hearing process), we intend on making it an issue, and I want to make sure that Barry Albin is not reconfirmed," said Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan.
Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, the other leading Republican in the governor's race, said Albin's record and questions about Supreme Court nominations are "a legitimate part of the debate. The constitution set it up that way. It is an absolutely appropriate matter to be discussed in a gubernatorial campaign. There are many things this court has done over the years that have tied the hands of the governor and the Legislature." . . .
Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee that holds the confirmation hearings, said he has told Corzine's staff he plans to gavel the Albin hearing to order in June. Sarlo insisted he is "not going to allow this to turn into a political circus" but will let Republican senators engage in detailed questioning.
"I'm going to give all the members ample opportunity to ask their questions and discuss the work that he has done on the bench," Sarlo said.
Sarlo said he realizes Albin's tenure process will be the appetizer for Republicans who have long railed at the court for pushing everything from billions in school funding for poor school districts to civil unions for same-sex couples. Just last week, the court disappointed GOP leaders by unanimously refusing to consider their appeal of a decision saying Corzine does not have release e-mails he exchanged with former state workers union leader Carla Katz.
The GOP's main course, Sarlo said, will be this fall's gubernatorial race because the next governor will be responsible for nominating or renominating four of the seven justices, as two will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 and two others will be at the end of their initial seven-year terms. . . .
New Jersey's Supreme Court, modeled on the nation's high court, has the final word on interpreting state law and the Garden State's constitution. The justices are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
Albin, who was both a prosecutor and prominent criminal defense lawyer before coming to the bench, was nominated by his friend, then-Gov. James E. McGreevey, in 2002. A prolific writer of more than 100 majority opinions and author of controversial decisions including the civil unions case, Albin has helped decide hot-button issues from the moment he joined the court.
One of the first oral arguments he heard was in the groundbreaking case that allowed state Democrats to ignore statutory deadlines and replace U.S. Sen. Bob Torricelli on the 2002 ballot. Albin also has voted with the majority of justices on key cases on mandatory funding for poor school districts and allowing state authorities to borrow money without voter approval.
Conservatives like Lonegan take issue with what he calls Albin's "activist" judicial philosophy, saying he tries to make law rather than interpret existing law.
"Now it's time to hold him accountable," Lonegan said.
Christie said he has not yet studied Albin's record closely, though he was emphatic "the court has no business legislating. The court has no business making new law."
Senin, 16 Maret 2009
Other People's Money
From the Philadelphia Daily News:Powerful state Sen. Vince Fumo [shown leaving court with girlfriend Carolyn Zinni] lived like a prince on Other People's Money, the government charged in its corruption indictment against him.
Today, the Other People spoke: Guilty on all counts.
A federal jury, after five days of deliberations, found Fumo guilty of 137 counts of defrauding taxpayers, diverting money for his personal use from a non-profit he ran and obstruction of justice. Co-defendant Ruth Arnao, who once headed the non-profit, Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, was also found guilty of all 45 counts against her.
U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter scheduled a bail hearing for 2 p.m. when he will decided whether Fumo should be subject to electronic monitoring and house arrest while he awaits sentencing.
Fumo, 65, could get at least 10 in jail.
Today, the Other People spoke: Guilty on all counts.
A federal jury, after five days of deliberations, found Fumo guilty of 137 counts of defrauding taxpayers, diverting money for his personal use from a non-profit he ran and obstruction of justice. Co-defendant Ruth Arnao, who once headed the non-profit, Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, was also found guilty of all 45 counts against her.
U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter scheduled a bail hearing for 2 p.m. when he will decided whether Fumo should be subject to electronic monitoring and house arrest while he awaits sentencing.
Fumo, 65, could get at least 10 in jail.
Photo: Tom Gralish/Inquirer
Three New Podcasts!
I've just conducted three new podcast interviews as part of the "Hot Interviews With Very Cool People" series for the Philadelphia Bar Association.
In one, Renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art curator Joe Rishel talks about the Museum's big, new "Cezanne and Beyond" exhibit, the role of Cezanne in the birth of modern art and Cezanne's enduring influence into the 21st century.
In another, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court President Judge Pamela Dembe discusses the challenges now facing the courts as well as what led her to her present position and her plans for the future.
Plus, in a candid discussion focusing on "the rest of your life" Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Sayde Ladov talks about her many interests beyond the practice of law and stresses the need for balance in your life.
You can also listen to Marlene Olshan, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Shanin Specter, an attorney and Big Brother, on how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
To link to any of these podcasts click here and then choose the podcasts.
Go, listen!
And BTW: Thanks to the Philadelphia Bar Association for its continuing support of this podcast series.
In one, Renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art curator Joe Rishel talks about the Museum's big, new "Cezanne and Beyond" exhibit, the role of Cezanne in the birth of modern art and Cezanne's enduring influence into the 21st century.
In another, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court President Judge Pamela Dembe discusses the challenges now facing the courts as well as what led her to her present position and her plans for the future.
Plus, in a candid discussion focusing on "the rest of your life" Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Sayde Ladov talks about her many interests beyond the practice of law and stresses the need for balance in your life.
You can also listen to Marlene Olshan, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Shanin Specter, an attorney and Big Brother, on how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
To link to any of these podcasts click here and then choose the podcasts.
Go, listen!
And BTW: Thanks to the Philadelphia Bar Association for its continuing support of this podcast series.
Jumat, 13 Maret 2009
Court Vacancy Ahead?
From Melissa Trujillo at Associated Press:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told law students there could be an opening on the Supreme Court soon but didn't hint at who might be leaving.
Ginsburg spoke Friday at New England Law's annual "Law Day."
In a question-and-answer session, she said the nine justices only take pictures together when a new member is added. She said: "We haven't had any of those for some time, but surely we will soon."
She declined to take questions from reporters at the event.
The 75-year-old justice had surgery last month for pancreatic cancer but returned to the bench without missing a day of work. She said advice from fellow cancer survivor Sandra Day O'Connor on when to schedule chemotherapy has helped her to keep up with the court's pace.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told law students there could be an opening on the Supreme Court soon but didn't hint at who might be leaving.
Ginsburg spoke Friday at New England Law's annual "Law Day."
In a question-and-answer session, she said the nine justices only take pictures together when a new member is added. She said: "We haven't had any of those for some time, but surely we will soon."
She declined to take questions from reporters at the event.
The 75-year-old justice had surgery last month for pancreatic cancer but returned to the bench without missing a day of work. She said advice from fellow cancer survivor Sandra Day O'Connor on when to schedule chemotherapy has helped her to keep up with the court's pace.
Rabu, 18 Februari 2009
Anger Over Police Slayings
Here are some Letters to the Editor from today's Philadelphia Daily News:
Yet another officer is killed doing his job. A job that he does in a community that, due to a handful of bad officers unworthy of the uniform, has no love or respect for him or the department he works for.
The answer is simple. Create a new law that can't be dealt down by the D.A. or a high-priced lawyer. Make the judges accountable for the acts of criminals they sentence, take away the sovereign immunity that lets them give breaks to career criminals.
Increase the mandatory time for using a weapon against an officer to 40 years, no parole, and apply it to all open cases. Seek the death penalty in all killings of cops. Lastly, and I can't stress this enough, retrain your officers in all facets of policing and make sure they wear their vests at all times.
James Brawner, Philadelphia
There's no justification for the killing of the very people who put their life on the line to protect us every day.
These low-down good-for-nothings should be put away forever. To shoot down Officer Pawlowski shows the mind of a mad, cold-blooded, good-for-nothing criminal who if I had my way would never see daylight. The law should never let these career criminals on the street. Let them rot in jail.
Louis Dillard, Philadelphia
Once again, I'm ashamed to live in this city with these people who continually kill and have no regard for anyone.
As a mother who raised five children, two of them boys, I didn't go through this with my sons. They never went to prison or carried a gun. I'm so tired of the bleeding hearts who say they had a hard life - give me a break.
And when these people go to court, the judges are a disgrace to continually let them go free. Here is my solution: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan. No jail, straight to the military. The soldiers who've done four and five tours can come home.
Set up court for these killers and get a real judge who will do his job. Have someone from the military right in the court and off they go - no training because they already know how to take a life. I bet there will be weeping and wailing in the court just like the families of these police officers had to do. The families of the killers should leave town - if I had this on my conscience, I would. This city is going to hell in a handbasket.
Harriet B. Brown, Philadelphia
Another young officer has been slain in a city whose mayor and D.A. want gun roundups while repeat violent offenders walk the streets. A city whose police chief believes the Second Amendment should be abolished, and says that no citizens of Philadelphia should be allowed to carry a gun.
Yet nobody seems to understand why these killings happen. This isn't just stupidity on the part of our elected officials and citizens - it's a case of willful ignorance.
Stuart Caesar, Philadelphia
When are victims of crimes going to get their "rights"? Liberal judges who let out thugs like Rasheed Scruggs give them more rights than I have Victoria's Secret underwear. Let's go back to the '70s mentality when cops were able to do their jobs without their hands constantly being tied with all this politically correct nonsense.
These judges that let these parasites with a laundry list of priors out on the street time after time need to start being held accountable.
Likewise with the parole board who let hardened criminals with weapons offenses out. No parole for them at all. They all need to stop dissing these officers who constantly put their life on the line in Killadelphia.
Officer Pawlowski is from my parish of St. Anselm. Hearts are heavy and prayers plentiful. All that's left of this tragic reality is prayer for the Pawlowski family and for Kim, his wife, so she can bear this new member of the family to carry on in John's name.
Diane McDowell
Yet another officer is killed doing his job. A job that he does in a community that, due to a handful of bad officers unworthy of the uniform, has no love or respect for him or the department he works for.
The answer is simple. Create a new law that can't be dealt down by the D.A. or a high-priced lawyer. Make the judges accountable for the acts of criminals they sentence, take away the sovereign immunity that lets them give breaks to career criminals.
Increase the mandatory time for using a weapon against an officer to 40 years, no parole, and apply it to all open cases. Seek the death penalty in all killings of cops. Lastly, and I can't stress this enough, retrain your officers in all facets of policing and make sure they wear their vests at all times.
James Brawner, Philadelphia
There's no justification for the killing of the very people who put their life on the line to protect us every day.
These low-down good-for-nothings should be put away forever. To shoot down Officer Pawlowski shows the mind of a mad, cold-blooded, good-for-nothing criminal who if I had my way would never see daylight. The law should never let these career criminals on the street. Let them rot in jail.
Louis Dillard, Philadelphia
Once again, I'm ashamed to live in this city with these people who continually kill and have no regard for anyone.
As a mother who raised five children, two of them boys, I didn't go through this with my sons. They never went to prison or carried a gun. I'm so tired of the bleeding hearts who say they had a hard life - give me a break.
And when these people go to court, the judges are a disgrace to continually let them go free. Here is my solution: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan. No jail, straight to the military. The soldiers who've done four and five tours can come home.
Set up court for these killers and get a real judge who will do his job. Have someone from the military right in the court and off they go - no training because they already know how to take a life. I bet there will be weeping and wailing in the court just like the families of these police officers had to do. The families of the killers should leave town - if I had this on my conscience, I would. This city is going to hell in a handbasket.
Harriet B. Brown, Philadelphia
Another young officer has been slain in a city whose mayor and D.A. want gun roundups while repeat violent offenders walk the streets. A city whose police chief believes the Second Amendment should be abolished, and says that no citizens of Philadelphia should be allowed to carry a gun.
Yet nobody seems to understand why these killings happen. This isn't just stupidity on the part of our elected officials and citizens - it's a case of willful ignorance.
Stuart Caesar, Philadelphia
When are victims of crimes going to get their "rights"? Liberal judges who let out thugs like Rasheed Scruggs give them more rights than I have Victoria's Secret underwear. Let's go back to the '70s mentality when cops were able to do their jobs without their hands constantly being tied with all this politically correct nonsense.
These judges that let these parasites with a laundry list of priors out on the street time after time need to start being held accountable.
Likewise with the parole board who let hardened criminals with weapons offenses out. No parole for them at all. They all need to stop dissing these officers who constantly put their life on the line in Killadelphia.
Officer Pawlowski is from my parish of St. Anselm. Hearts are heavy and prayers plentiful. All that's left of this tragic reality is prayer for the Pawlowski family and for Kim, his wife, so she can bear this new member of the family to carry on in John's name.
Diane McDowell
FOP Chief Sees Red
Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police President John J. McNesby is furious with Municipal Judge Craig Washington after the judge turned over a photograph of fallen police officer John Pawlowski in the makeshift courtroom inside the 35th police district on Tuesday. (David Maialetti /Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Judge Stumbles Into Trouble
From Dwight Ott in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
The head of the city's police union today called for a municipal court judge to be dismissed after the judge ordered two pictures of John Pawlowski, the 25-year-old police officer killed Friday, be removed from his courtroom.
In early afternoon, Municipal Court Judge Craig M. Washington sought to have the pictures of Pawlowski taken off his courtroom bench in the 35th District police station. District official denied that order, and Washington stepped down from the bench and placed both pictures face down on the table where they stood.
At a hastily called press conference about 90 minutes later, Fraternal Order of Police President John J. McNesby demanded that Washinton be removed from the judicial hearing list at the station pending an investigation. He also urged that all court hearings be suspended in the 35th District until an investigation is completed.
Washington could not be reached for comment.
Through a spokesperson, President Judge Marsha Neifield said afterward that Washington would not be in the 35th District for the rest of the week, but that municipal court hearings in the district would not be suspended.
"We have to take a deep breath and review the situation....It's too early to know if he will be back," said the spokesperson, Jeff Jubelirer.
In a prepared statement, Neifield said: "All of us are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of Officer Pawlowski. Our thoughts and prayers are foremost with Officer Pawlowski's family, friends and his police colleagues. We understand why emotions are running high."
A career criminal, Rasheed Scruggs, 33, has been charged with murder in the slaying of Pawlowski, who was shot when he intervened in an argument between Scruggs and a hack cab driver.
The head of the city's police union today called for a municipal court judge to be dismissed after the judge ordered two pictures of John Pawlowski, the 25-year-old police officer killed Friday, be removed from his courtroom.
In early afternoon, Municipal Court Judge Craig M. Washington sought to have the pictures of Pawlowski taken off his courtroom bench in the 35th District police station. District official denied that order, and Washington stepped down from the bench and placed both pictures face down on the table where they stood.
At a hastily called press conference about 90 minutes later, Fraternal Order of Police President John J. McNesby demanded that Washinton be removed from the judicial hearing list at the station pending an investigation. He also urged that all court hearings be suspended in the 35th District until an investigation is completed.
Washington could not be reached for comment.
Through a spokesperson, President Judge Marsha Neifield said afterward that Washington would not be in the 35th District for the rest of the week, but that municipal court hearings in the district would not be suspended.
"We have to take a deep breath and review the situation....It's too early to know if he will be back," said the spokesperson, Jeff Jubelirer.
In a prepared statement, Neifield said: "All of us are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of Officer Pawlowski. Our thoughts and prayers are foremost with Officer Pawlowski's family, friends and his police colleagues. We understand why emotions are running high."
A career criminal, Rasheed Scruggs, 33, has been charged with murder in the slaying of Pawlowski, who was shot when he intervened in an argument between Scruggs and a hack cab driver.
Minggu, 15 Februari 2009
The Mayhem Must Stop!
Philadelphia has suffered another senseless murder: the seventh police officer killed in the line of duty since 2006.Seven officers killed in less than three years. Seven!
Six of these seven killings occurred in the past 15 months.
The killer had nine prior arrests. He was due in court on Wednesday on charges including receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle stemming from an arrest in September. In the mid-1990s, records show, the he was also arrested on theft and robbery charges and for illegally carrying a gun. He was given a 5- to 10-year sentence in 1997.
Officer John Pawlowski, 25 (pictured) was struck multiple times. He leaves his young wife who is pregnant with their first child.
Once again, Mayor Michael Nutter has expressed his anger, disgust and outrage over the killing. And the Mayor has railed against handguns.
But this is not enough.
The Mayor and the entire justice system must address the problem. This includes the courts and the judges who are charged with keeping criminals off the streets.
When it gets to the point where people do not fear the police and indeed, criminals freely kill officers of the law and brazenly rule the streets, this is too much. Criminals are now emboldened and there seems to be no end in sight.
Urgent memo to Nutter: It's not enough to be angry. Tell us what you're doing about the problem, Mr. Mayor. Where is your plan? What are you and Police Chief Ramsey actually doing? When and how will we see an end to this mayhem?
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