She’s the former prosecutor who has taken to writingabout her former office and its overreaching prosecution of the six Baltimore cops who in the neighborhood when Freddie Gray died in police custody. Here’s her latest: I said in my first blogon Freddie Gray, days after Mosby sensationally announced her charges, that she was setting up the false expectation that a…
Tag: courts
“What led to a mistrial”
Luke Broadwater and Ian Duncan summarize the issues in The Sun.
Hung Jury in Porter trial
Hung on all four counts. That is not what I expected. I expected acquittal on the major charges, and perhaps a hung jury on the minor charge of “misconduct.” But no conviction is still a big setback to the prosecution. What does this mean? Since I’m no legal expert, best to turn to those who understand these issues. Here’s Richard…
Maryland Pattern Jury Instructions
The jury, which is currently in deliberation, will be given this (or something very similar to this) to help them decide if Officer Porter is guilty of these charges: involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, misconduct, and second degree manslaughter. (thanks to a reader.]
Why the stops matter
These stops are confusing and the numbering system is never consistent, but they still matter. Here are some maps from WBAL: The summary from WBAL: Prosecutors contend Porter is criminally negligent for Gray’s death, because he didn’t call a medic when Gray requested one, and he didn’t buckle Gray into a seat belt at the police van’s fourth stop [labeled…
“When is failing to act a crime?”
Ian Duncan of the Sun explores the issue: David Harris … said American criminal laws are usually of the “thou shalt not” variety, rather than “thou shalt.” “We’re pretty stingy in this country and this culture with obligating people to do stuff,” Harris said. … Legal experts also said it’s difficult to find criminal cases against police officers accused of…
“There is no such crime as ‘homicide by no seat belt'”
“Mosby is getting her rear end kicked in court. Not by a brilliant defense strategy, but by the facts. Facts that she could have discovered had she conducted herself professionally and ethically.” So saysPage Croyder, who retired in 2008 after 21 years with the State’s Attorney’s Office. My last post highlighted her insightful blog. In police trials like this, people…
“A small glimpse into the lazy, egotistical, dysfunctional world of key players in criminal justice system”
Page Croyder spent two decades with the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office. A few weeks ago I discovered her blog (thanks to a comment). The prosecutor’s office — the State’s Attorney in Maryland — and the court system in general is a big Skinner box of unknown for most people. Croyder offers insight. People get arrested and somehow they end up…
Porter trial: Dec 7.
The prosecution rested. Judgment of Acquittal did not happen, alas. Judge Williams did rule that prosecutors failed to disclose that Freddie Gray had allegedly told a police officer the month before he died that he suffered from back problems. From the Sun: Porter’s attorneys asked that Williams dismiss the charges against Porter, grant a mistrial, or strike the testimony of…
Fiddlesticks!
@PeterMoskos wins the “Most Profanity in One Quote” Award. https://t.co/Rt22OJRYjy — Jeffrey Butts (@JeffreyButts) December 5, 2015 I’m humbled and honored to win the Golden Middle Finger award. I’d like to thank all the sailors and pirates who taught me everything I know, gosh darnit. In all seriousness, this Guardian piece by Baynard Woods might be the first fair thing…