President Obama won the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination and the Presidency on his message of hope and change. He did not win as the most experienced candidate, as a one term Illinois Senator. He did not win on his then youthful looks. And he certainly did not win the Democratic primary on his name recognition of Barack Hussein Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton. In 2008 as we are seeing in 2016, name recognition, looks or experience matter less than hope and change for a better America. Senator Bernie Sanders looks like he could have played alongside Jack Lemmon in the movie Grumpy Old Men. Hillary Clinton looks poised to meet with world leaders or enter the Blue Room of the White House at any time. This year, looks are not what matters to voters. If looks mattered, GOP contender Donald Trump would be last in polls and Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio would be in a tie for first place. Looking at the political landscape at this time last year, it appeared … [Read more...] about Hope and Change Still Reign in 2016
Archives for January 2016
Supreme Court Reconsiders Juveniles with Life Without Parole
On Monday, while everyone in the DC Metropolitan area was still digging out snow, the Supreme Court released an opinion stating that juveniles under the age of 18 who were sentenced to life without parole before 2012 may apply to courts to reconsider their sentences. In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that juveniles could not be given the death penalty. Again, in 2012, the High Court prohibited sentences of life without the possibility of parole for juveniles. In doing so however, it did not make the ruling retroactive to those who had already been sentenced. Henry Montgomery, the petitioner, is now 69 years of age and sentenced to life without parole for murder of a law enforcement officer he committed when he was 17. The Supreme Court ruled with Justice Kennedy writing the opinion stated, "Allowing those offenders to be considered for parole ensures that juveniles whose crimes reflected only transient immaturity — and who have since matured — will not be forced to serve a … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Reconsiders Juveniles with Life Without Parole
Deal Struck on Bill Cosby Case May Warrant Dismissal
Just as a judge dismissed the civil case for defamation against Bill Cosby last month, his criminal case may go up in smoke before it barely gets started. Over 50 women alleged Cosby engage in sexual misconduct, assault and/or rapes against them over the course of 40 years. In a civil case for defamation, one of those women, Renita Hill, alleged that Cosby, his wife and attorneys made false statements about her in the media. A Pennsylvania judge found no merit to her case and dismissed it. And now a hearing scheduled on Cosby’s criminal case began February 2, 2016 before a Montgomery County judge in Pennsylvania on the issue of whether the District Attorney’s office violated an alleged 2005 agreement by the prior District Attorney, Bruce Castor, Jr., to refrain from charging Cosby in Constand’s case in exchange for his testimony in her civil case. In the criminal case, Cosby’s lawyers have a good chance of having the only criminal case filed against Cosby dismissed, if the … [Read more...] about Deal Struck on Bill Cosby Case May Warrant Dismissal
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday 2016 Style
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Many often think of Martin Luther King Day as a time to reflect on the past. Video clips of Dr. King’s speeches, marches and life are shown while parades and prayer breakfasts are held. The holiday is often viewed as a day for service. When I reflect on Dr. King’s holiday, I see it as a time to go back to the future. I see it as a day to recommit, rededicate and reclaim the dream of Dr. King for the future. I see it as a time to work tirelessly towards achieving Dr. King’s dream of social justice, economic justice, racial equality and human rights for all. As we watch the 2016 presidential campaigns, we are reminded almost every day by the comments of the Republican political candidates that we must continue to fight for the realization and actualization of Dr. King’s dream. When I read comments of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Scalia that African Americans are inferior intellectually, I know … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday 2016 Style
Why I like Bill Cosby’s Criminal Defense Lawyer
Bill Cosby’s next criminal court date in his sexual assault case is February 2 in a Montgomery County Court in Pennsylvania. The preliminary hearing originally scheduled on January 14 was postponed until February 2. It is now indefinitely postponed. In its place, Cosby lawyer Monique Pressley's Motion to Dismiss the Case as improperly charged and Motion to Recuse the Montgomery County Prosecutors will be heard. Pressley argues a previous agreement with the prior prosecutor stated Cosby would never be charged. The prosecution case may be in for an uphill battle Montgomery County, Pennsylvania prosecutors charged Bill Cosby, longtime TV Dad, with aggravated indecent assault without consent, aggravated indecent assault while complainant is unconscious or unaware and aggravated indecent assault while person impairs complainant. The incidents allegedly occurred on January 15, 2004 at Mr. Cosby’s Philadelphia suburban home against former Temple University employee, Andrea … [Read more...] about Why I like Bill Cosby’s Criminal Defense Lawyer
Affluenza Teen’s Mom Shows Need for Bail Reform
The case of Tonya Couch, is a clear example that there is a serious need to revamp our bail system in the U.S. Tanya Couch is the mother of Ethan Couch, the teen who is famously known for avoiding jail time and given probation after drunk driving and killing 4 persons on the unrecognized defense of affluenza --being too rich and too spoiled to understand the difference between right and wrong. After a court set Tonya Couch's bail at $1 million for hindering the apprehension of her son, a 3rd class felony which carries 10 years in jail, a Texas judge reduced the bail amount to a paltry $75,000. The judge released her on house arrest with a jail electronic monitor and instructions for her to live with her 29 year old son and to stay inside unless visiting her doctor or for lawyer appointments. After Couch's son faced a probation violation, she and her son fled to Puerta Vallarta where the two were apprehended. The mother previously withdrew $30,000,and allegedly advised her estranged … [Read more...] about Affluenza Teen’s Mom Shows Need for Bail Reform