Prosecutors' Morbid Neckties Add to Criticism

The New York Times ^ | 01-05-03 | JEFFREY GETTLEMAN

[demosthenes the elder]

Does Sherrif Harry Lee still rule Jefferson Parish?

He didn't take any guff off of anyone.

JP had a low murder rate from '88-95 (the years I was in the area) for that reason above all others.

As for racism... Lee was CHINESE-AMERICAN.

[ModelBreaker]

It is true that it may be necessary to execute guys like this, but we should not take pleasure in it. We would have been much happier if he had not committed the crime in the first place.

Thank you. The death penalty is probably necessary. But that doesn't mean it is a matter for joking or celebration. God loves that murderer as much as he loves me. He has fallen so far that our society needs to take his life. I find no joy or humor in that.

This is as bad as the 'huzzahs' that burst forth whenever someone posts an article about a homeowner shooting an intruder. I am prepared to defend my family, with deadly force if necessary. But if that happens, and if I should find myself rejoicing in his death, I know it will be time to ask God's forgiveness.

[M. Peach]

I was ambivilent at first, and you and some others have clarified my position in this matter. I have come to the conclusion that you are correct. This type of discussion is what makes FR so great and truly allows one to see all different sides of issues so that one can make up their own mind.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I'd have a problem with this if it was a clip-on.

[squibs]

How true , though it has always been that people
celebrate capitol punishment.
It should be used ( more than it is ) but
justice should be served quietly , quickly,
effectively , and with a solomn reverence.

[marajade]

In AZ they would have both got it...

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" simply the latest proof of a racially tinged, bloodthirsty culture ....

"are not alone in what apparently is a relish for capital punishment. It seems to be part of prosecutorial machismo in many places, especially in the South. In East Baton Rouge, 75 miles away, the district attorney celebrates death sentences with office parties, replete with steak and Jim Beam. "

"Bloodthirsty culture,relish for capital punishment,prosecutorial machismo,especially in the South"- The NYT tries to paint a picture of the prosecutors as knuckle dragging,KKK members,who get aroused at the thought of the electric chair!! Did Maureen Dowd write this?? Maybe this pro criminal NYT writer should spend some time in a prosecutor's office. He'll see crime scene photos that will haunt him forever,he'll see the families ,especially the mothers of the victims, begging him to find justice for their child and maybe he can even go to the morgue and actually see the victim.And in many,many cases-the victims will be black.And when he goes to court,he can see a smirking,unrepetant and cocky defendant. Why do the eastern liberals at the NYT only demand justice for Matthew Shepard and not for an inner city teenager, who was stabbed in the back,because he refused to submit to a street robbery? Does the NYT only support the death penalty, if the victim was white and gay? Why does the NYT think it's wrong for the prosecutors to have a steak and a drink,after winning a case? Didn't OJ's Dream Team,do the same thing-now,that was offensive !

[marajade]

He's the prosecutor... its the jury and judge's job to administer justice...

[CalvaryJohn]

We don't need this kind of bloodthirsty behaviour from our prosecutors. I think that this kind of juvenile crass disregard for the system of justice is way over the top. Sure, a high five behind closed doors is OK, I guess, but steak and bourbon? Plaques with needles on them? These jerks need to practice some solemnity when dealing with these cases. There is no need to fan the flames of racism on either side; all that will accomplish is making it more difficult to mete out justice.
My second problem: the system of prosecution rewards convictions, not truth. Something has got to change in a big way, so we can have a little more confidence in the system. I don't personally support the death penalty in America at this time. The numerous individuals exonerated under what are usually very obvious cases of innocence has changed my mind on this issue.
Give me a prosecutorial system that encourages and rewards honesty and truth, with noone getting the needle without solid forensic evidence, and I will gladly support the ultimate punishment.

[CalvaryJohn]

I agree, the views I am seeing here turn my stomach as well. Some of you really need to pay attention to that hot feeling on the back of your neck. It's called SHAME.

[M. Peach]

I know you might say that right now, but I'll give you a hypothetical and see if you can honestly respond back to me?

You were having a relationship with another, and her spurned lover (previously unknown to you) entered the room and shot her. There were no other witnesses, testimony and evidence could expulcate neither of you.

What would you then think of your ruling?

[M. Peach]

I know you might say that right now, but I'll give you a hypothetical and see if you can honestly respond back to me?

You were having a relationship with another, and her spurned lover (previously unknown to you) entered the room and shot her. There were no other witnesses, testimony and evidence could expulcate neither of you.

What would you then think of your ruling?

[Republic of Texas]

If the prosecuter is representing ME, the PEOPLE, I want him to WANT to put that sonavabitch to death. I want him to eat it, sleep it, love it. The defendant has an attorney who should be that devoted to him, the judge keeps order, the jury decides. If you don't like that system, don't murder anyone.

[CalvaryJohn]

Your hypothetical doesn't wash. There is the eyewitness(me) and ballistic forensics. Try again, you sophomore.

[ExpandNATO]

At least the murderer of my love would go down with me.

[albee]

Welcome to Free Republic, CalvaryJohn, FR Member since 2002-12-21!

Perhaps your views would be better appreciated on sobsistersunited.com!

[marajade]

Law isn't based on hypotheticals... In AZ we have a capital murder statute where it doesn't matter who pulls the trigger... if two are suspects are involved in the case, they both get charged...

[M. Peach]

I realize the law isn't based on hypotheticals, but I'm asking you to (for the sake of this conversation) put yourself in the position I just referenced.

If in fact the laws in Arizona provide for what you just stated, would you feel that the law was fair, and would you agree that you should die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

I know this is a tough one, but be honest.

[marajade]

Actually I like the law myself...

Like Forrest Gump says: stupid is as stupid does...

That includes the company one keeps...

[Republic of Texas]

" Your hypothetical doesn't wash. There is the eyewitness(me) and ballistic forensics. Try again, you sophomore. "

I didn't post a hypothetical. And yes, after your snide, incorrect and irrelevant comment back to me, that burning feeling on the back of YOUR neck, is called SHAME.