THOMASSON: Prosecutorial misconduct. A senator and a state done a grievous disservice

The Washington Times ^ | April 11, 2009 | Dan K. Thomasson

[Scanian]

In television's long-running "Law and Order" series, the prosecutors are portrayed as righteous, dedicated searchers for the truth who seldom, if ever, fail to find it. And the defense attorneys are depicted as a necessary evil, capable of underhanded, devious action to free their clients whom everyone knows are guilty.

Other entries in the legal free-for-alls that have been a TV staple have taken the opposite tack, giving the edge to those representing the downtrodden accused.

Reality, of course, lies somewhere in between with the justice scales tipping one way or another on an individual basis.

But it is safe to say that the modern prosecutor now bears a share of the blame in a series of dramatic instances that make it clear that ambition at the expense of truth and, therefore, of the accused is often a motivating factor. One celebrated miscarriage after another obviously brought on by the career-enhancing rush for conviction has certainly shown that.

The blizzard of revealed cases of unjust jailing for everything from murder to rape is breathtaking. More than 100 of those sentenced to death or life in prison have been freed by scientific evidence and prosecutorial misconduct. And efforts are under way to make DNA testing mandatory where possible, especially in capital cases.

But few cases of ethical laxity reach the magnitude or threaten to undercut the fairness of the criminal justice system as much as did the conviction of Alaska's Ted Stevens, who until his defeat in the last election was the longest-serving Republican member in the U.S. Senate.

[Popman]

I'm waiting for the democrats to get their panties in a wad over this case of injustice as they did with the firing of Bush AG's, which was right as rain

Conyers still is hounding Rove to testify over it.

crickets

[rellimpank]

--and not the least disgusting part of the situation was that it occurred under the Bush "Justice" Department--

[trek]

So Holder is "shocked! shocked!" to hear there was prosecutorial misconduct in the Steven's prosecution. And Holder is now being lionized for his bold non-partisan actions in upholding the rulings of the presiding judge.

This is absurd. Steven's is out and the Democrats have 58 seats in the Senate (59 with Franken). So Holder's moves are completely without cost. All this does is give Holder "non-partisan" credentials to be played when he next puts the knife in our liberties.

Suppose Stevens had won narrowly and they were still "counting" like in Minnesota. Do you think this charade would be playing out the same way?

[cricket]

Do not understand why a legitimate Election is not required here. The Office here; is STOLEN! That the Dems get away with this; is outrageous.

That said; and since re-vote apparently 'not'an option'. . .then let this fraud keep the Seat; but not the 'vote' - count him OUT on this one. He should be denied all 'voting' privileges; as he reps the offending Party; until after next legitimate Election.

[Just A Nobody]

It appears there was plenty of suppressed evidence that might have exonerated him or even convinced a more prudent prosecutor not to indict in the first place.

Played out exactly as intended.

There have been calls for a new election, but that seems doubtful.

Won't happen. Mission Accomplished!

After the conviction, an FBI agent blew a whistle

Assuaging your guilt, agent? Why not blow the whistle BEFORE the election.

BTW, anyone heard anything about that dangerous criminal Tom DeLay? It has been years since his ham sandwich indictment. Where is his trial?

Oh that's right, the dam_ commies were able to get rid of him without anything but making bogus charges. He should be demanding a trial to face his accusers.

[Tarpon]

And how about what was done to Tom Delay, without a whimper from the Republicans in Congress.

[Just A Nobody]

Do you think this charade would be playing out the same way?

Nope! The whistle blower would still be whistling dixie and Holder would be looking the other way.

[Just A Nobody]

GMTA! ;*)

[M.K. Borders]

Before we get too into the injustice of all this and the obvious election rigging nature of the DOJ, let us consider this;

Ted Stevens represents one of the half dozen or so firmly entrenched political machines that ran the State of Alaska and with whom Sarah Palin has been at war since before her election.

Remember Sarah? She is the lady Gov. who fought with the fat-cat power brokers within the State in order to save money and bring responsible government(So says the campaign flyers).

So, yes Stevens was mis-handled by the DOJ and yes he got screwed. In the end though, he was one of many that the lady we all gush about was fighting and just maybe the conservative movement will benefit from his passing.

[Battle of Tours]

Given the volume of cases prosecuted, VERY VERY few involve misconduct. Watch for open season on prosecutors, as only the crooks stand to benefit. As in tax cheats and other ethical scofflaws in the O-ministration

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

You have obviously not been to tax court. Kangaroo court is a generous name for them.

[Chode]

election tampering plain and simple...

[cookcounty]

If the new Democrat had any sense of honor he would announce, at a minimum his intent to resign the seat before the next election and then re-reun inthat election (such a move would probably guarantee his return to the Senate).

But don’t hold your breath. “honor” and “Senate” are not words that belong in proximity to each other.

[Chode]

truth...

[Battle of Tours]

I’ve been to more courts than most anyone I know

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

The republicans have no spine.