Posted on 06/15/2007 6:52:12 AM PDT by Brytani
I didn't see anything posted on this live testimony. Who's watching it and what are your thoughts?
BTW, here are the 20 issues the state bar is considering:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/page/1506296/
When they come back we’ll keep you informed of that happenings since Fox and CourtTv will probably not cover the hearing or will break in with 50 commercials a hour.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1506245/
I watched some of it. Basically, his attorneys said he was a neophyte at dealing with the media, he was an “old school” prosecutor not used to doing things the “new way” (which new way has been in effect for more than a dozen years), and that he did not intend for any bad effects to happen, but that he made mistakes and he was negligent in some ways. His attorneys also said he may not have known what was in the professional ethics code, but he followed the ethical rules anyway (I forgot how they stated this).
Basically, Nifong made some unintentional mistakes, some of which were due to negligence, and most of which were due to naivete (dealing with the media) or the fault of others (the media, the DNA place).
He sure never thought the way he handled the case would help his campaign.
Remember that Nifong’s attorneys didn’t have much to work with in defending him. That’s always a bummer for a defense attorney.
In the Old South,
Phase 1 - get a rope.
Phase 2 - use it.
It’s hard to defend Nifong because he’s guilty as hell. Not stupid, not incompetent, not naive. He knew this case, if handled “right” would only benefit him and his political ambitions.
I just hope the bar has more integrity then Nifong and those who covered for his actions.
I agree with you.
It didn’t sound like the panel was going to go easy on Nifong and I hope they disbar him. I think they will, but you never know.
1. Did Mike Nifong make extrajudicial statements to the media?
Yes, one of the judges asked him why he went on Bill O Reilly to talk about the case, if he only wanted people involved in the case to come forward.
2.Did Nifong know those statements would be disseminated?
Yes, BOR is the most widely seen cable show in the country.
3.Did Nifong know his statements would prejudice a jury?
Yes, unless he expects us to think he is a fool.
4.Did Nifong know his statements would heighten public condemnation of accused?
He said in testimony yesterday that his none legal friends had told him it was creating tension in the community.
5.Did Nifong make misleading statements to media, thus engaging in dishonesty, fraud and deceit?
The statements he made regarding the dna/lack of dna was dishonest and decietful.
6.Did Nifong fail to disclose exculpatory DNA evidence in a timely manner and fail to comply with a discovery request from defense (prior to Nov. 16.)?
He held on to the evidence even after the courts said it should be turned over. He also lied to the court saying everything was turned over.
7.Did Nifong fail the above issue by not relaying information about oral statements made to him by Dr. Meehan concerning other male DNA?
Yes, wheather by error or intentionally he did not relay the information.
8.Did Nifong fail to provide complete results even after several attempts by defense to get them (after Nov. 16)?
Yes
9.Did Nifong fail to above issue concerning Dr. Brian Meehan’s statements by providing info after Nov. 16?
Yes
10.Did Nifong instruct Meehan to prepare report of only positive matches?
I think further investigation is needed to determine this fact, (at least by what I heard yesterday.
11.Did Nifong lie to the court when he said he had handed over all exculpatory evidence?
Yes
12.Did Nifong lie to opposing counsel when he said he had handed over all exculpatory evidence?
Again unless we are to assume he had to legal knowledge of an intern, yes.
13.Did Nifong lie to the court by saying all of Meehan’s oral comments were included in the DNA lab report?
Yes, he did not even acknowledge a third meeting until yesterday.
Still 7 more counts but that should be enought to disbar him.
As long as this court has integrity and does not shudder in fear from their responsibility, Nifong is toast.
I read the 20 charges and could easily answer in the affirmative on all. As to the question of his punishment that’s clear to me as well.
Disbarment with no chance of regaining his law license in NC or any other state.
A heafty fine.
A felony charge of tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice and false imprisonment.
That’s just a start, I hope the families of the players own everything Nifong ever had and unfortunately I think the tax payers of Durham should be out of a few million in tax dollars for what their prosecutor put these innocent people through.
bump for later
After the "festivites" concluded phase 1, the WRAL reporter and lawyer he was chatting with said that one of the 3 boys mothers would be speaking in phase 2 as well as someone from Nifong's office speaking on his behalf, perhaps an assitant DA.
Does this court have the option of felony charges?
Thanks!
Back from recess.
Oooh, I hear some audio. Sounds like they’re getting ready to resume.
Looks like WRAL is up, sound anyway.
I missed the morning session is this the verdict portion of phase one???
Well, he IS toast, but certainly not due to any integrity on the part of NC Bar. Some NC legislators have threatened legislation to take disbarment responsibility away from the Bar Assoc. if Nifong skates, so - under the bus he goes.
However, this is NOT how NC Bar normally works. The last prosecutor to face them (actually a pair, worked same case) made Nifong look like Mother Teresa, yet they only received reprimands.
Having a NC law license is even better than an avowed communist professor having tenure at an Ivy League school. Probably even better than a Federal Judge.
We better hurry and get the popcorn ready. Sound is on solidly now.
Live mikes, they are always interesting.
Yes, this will be the verdict, I believe.
Then on to phase 2.
At least if the defendents can afford it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.