Michael Flanagan, Conrad Murray’s attorney thinks that his client will receive the full 4 years for his guilty verdict for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Of course, Flanagan will be asking for probation but expects the worst for his client. And he knows that under the facts of the case, despite this being Murray’s first involvement with the law, he caused the death of Michael Jackson. He did it while playing God…or anesthesiologist, neither of which he was qualified to be. Should Murray get jail time? Many argue that Murray was just the final pawn in Michael Jackson's weave of health care professionals. Under the law, Murray could receive probation or up to 4 years in jail. Judge Pastor sent Murray straight to jail after the jury came back with the guilty verdict. This is highly unusual in a case of this type. A judge would ordinarily have the defendant come back for sentencing while still remaining on bail. Murray was ordered to go immediately to … [Read more...] about Should Conrad Murray Get Jail Time?
Archives for November 2011
Is the Obama Administration’s Drug Policy Worth the Cost?
While there is nothing new about drugs in our society, a new approach is being offered by the Obama Administration to help break the cycle of arrest, incarceration, release and re-arrest. On November 21, President Obama announced his first commutation—that of Eugenia Marie Jennings who was convicted in 2001 of distributing cocaine and sentenced to 22 years. She will be released next month but her 8 year period of probation remains intact. Jennings’ commutation is consistent with the Obama Administration’s overall drug policy. Recognizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to drug policies, the Obama Administration’s policies reflect diverse solutions and fairness in its approach. These include increasing drug courts, passing of the Fair Sentencing Act and retroactivity of the Act and the Second Chance Act. The Administration supports the expansion of additional drug courts for nonviolent offenders. Drug courts divert 120,000 people into treatment versus jail. While drug … [Read more...] about Is the Obama Administration’s Drug Policy Worth the Cost?
If You See Something, Say Something: Report Child Abuse
Just like the Washington, DC metro area rail’s slogan of “If you see something, say something” to educate the public to report a suspicious package or activity, a similar approach should be taken to report suspected child abuses. There have been many occasions where Washington, DC Metro stations closed due to investigating suspicious packages, delaying travel and causing inconvenience. Yet, the inconvenience is minor, if it helps to prevent harm to the public. I recall running the Army Ten Miler race one year when a suspicious package was discovered in the middle of the race. It resulted in the race course being diverted in the middle of the race, nullifying the 10 mile certified course and confusing runners. No bomb or anything to harm runners or spectators was discovered. Yet, the risk of harm was well worth the cautionary measures taken. There may be many reasons why persons are reluctant to report crimes, including those involving children. As a society, we must work towards … [Read more...] about If You See Something, Say Something: Report Child Abuse
Is Sandusky’s Attorney Dumber Than Dumb?
Jerry Sandusky and the Penn State sex abuse case is shaping up like the Conrad Murray case. No, Conrad Murray, who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson had no sex abuse charges; but he had incompetent attorneys and bad lawyer advice much like the Sandusky case. In Murray’s case, his attorney Ed Chernoff was present during the 3 hour statement given by Murray to the police following Michael Jackson’s death. And that statement pretty much sealed the deal for Murray’s conviction. Now, there’s Joe Amendola, Sandusky’s attorney, who not only allows his client to speak to NBC’s Bob Costas in an interview but actually offers him to do so. Originally, Costas, was to have interviewed Sandusky’s attorney. Shortly before the interview, Amendola asked what if he could produce Sandusky by phone for an interview. I’m sure Bob Costas leaped for joy at his good fortune. The interview questions were simple and to the point. Yet, Sandusky appeared to struggle with the … [Read more...] about Is Sandusky’s Attorney Dumber Than Dumb?
How the Demise of the Post Office Would Affect African Americans
The U.S. Post Office is battling budget battles, shortages, lay- offs and struggling to stay open and alive. In a bygone era, the Post Office was a refuge job for many African Americans, helping them to achieve the American dream. At a time when blacks were denied many job opportunities due to race discrimination, the US Post Office was a mainstay for many blacks. During its hey-day of employment, the Post Office employed many college educated blacks with undergraduate and graduate degrees, veterans and others who were often time unable to obtain jobs elsewhere due to discrimination. As a result, they were able to buy homes, send children to college and obtain the middle class dream. Many blacks think fondly today of the Post Office despite the hardships, set- backs and failure to keep up with e-commerce and competing overnight delivery services, due to the opportunities it afforded to African Americans. Today the US Post Office employs approximately 560,000. It is subject to losing … [Read more...] about How the Demise of the Post Office Would Affect African Americans
Penn State Sex Scandal: Are Tougher Reporting Laws Needed?
Following the 40 count indictment of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky for child sex abuse and Athletic Director Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, Vice President of Finance and Business, for sex child abuse cover up and perjury, many state legislators are now playing Monday morning football and focusing on whether tougher child abuse reporting laws are needed. Reporting child abuse allegations varies from state to state. In Pennsylvania where these alleged acts took place, the law did not require that everyone who suspects child abuse must report it to authorities. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, former Pennsylvania Attorney General and a Penn State trustee is considering stricter child abuse reporting laws for Pennsylvania. Based on present Pennsylvania law, assistant coach Mike McQueary, who eye witnessed Sandusky having anal sex in a shower with a 10 year old child in 2002, was not legally obligated to report what he saw to any authorities. McQueary was … [Read more...] about Penn State Sex Scandal: Are Tougher Reporting Laws Needed?