One year ago today, I wrote “Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should” to discuss the discretion of prosecutors. Prosecutors can and do choose which offenses and people they will prosecute. It’s a matter of resources. It’s a matter of proof. It’s a matter of discretion. Every case that is prosecuted requires some portion … Read more
Chronicle Editorial Hits Nail on the Head: Hollywood ending, A potentially innocent man sat behind bars so that a prosecutor could get on television. “an awful lot of razzle dazzle for the serious business that goes down in criminal courtrooms” Some prosecutors forget. Some never know it to begin with. But, criminal courtrooms are serious … Read more
‘This idea of total incarceration just isn’t working.’—Justice Anthony Kennedy Justice Kennedy and Justice Breyer speak out against a broken system. I agree! Incarceration is expensive. Recidivism rates are higher following incarceration because those offenders can no longer get jobs. They didn’t get “help” in prison. They are left without sufficient resources following long periods … Read more
My son the traffic engineer was attending a conference in Aggieland and forwarded me the following statistics: Texas’ 10 fastest growing counties by 2050 (Percent) Hays County; 2010 population – 157,107; 2050 population – 824,070; Change – 666,963; Percent change – 424.50% Collin County; 2010 population – 782,341; 2050 population – 3,801,840; Change – 3,019,499; … Read more
Today, in an interesting opinion regarding the refusal of PDR, Judge Cathy Cochran notes the error of a judge displaying a MADD (mother’s against drunk drivers) plaque during a DWI trial. Simpson v. State (PDR is the acronym for “petition for discretionary review.” Refusal of PDR indicates the high court has refused to hear the … Read more
I’ve said it a hundred times: education is key. Know your candidates and be an educated voter. But also know the roles of those you are electing. Judges are here to follow the law, be fair and impartial, and provide an equal playing field for those appearing in their court. They are not here to … Read more