A great podcast from Dr. Michael Blankenship.
International Issues & Capital Punishment Episode 9 International Issues & Capital Punishment
The U.S. is part of a shrinking minority of countries that retain the death penalty. It has also engaged in repeated treaty violations while ignoring both the laws of other countries and international courts. This episode explores issues such extradition, consular law, and growing world opposition to the death penalty. (Length 9:46)
For more information about capital punishment, visit the Death Penalty Information
Michael B. Blankenship is currently a professor of criminal justice at Boise State University. He served as Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs from June, 2002 until December, 2006. Prior to his arrival at BSU, he served as Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at East Tennessee State University.
Dr. Blankenship is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. He earned a B.S. degree in criminal justice and a M.P.A degree from Western Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Blankenship served as a police officer for seven years in his home town.
Dr. Blankenship has taught online courses on capital punishment, white-collar crime, policing, statistics, and introductory criminal justice and Web-enhanced courses on white-collar crime and management. He is coauthor of a statistics text and has edited a volume on corporate criminality. His empirical research has focused on capital punishment and white-collar crime.
Dr. Blankenship served previously as editor of the American Journal of Criminal Justice, President of the Southern Criminal Justice Association, and as program chair for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
John Grisham Playing For Pizza
For my John Grisham fans, I have news for you. John Grisham's new book "Playing For Pizza", will be released Sept.24. John Grisham has sold over 200 million books worldwide and, American football is the most popular spectator sport in the USA. Football/soccer is played fervently in Europe, Latin America and in Africa. Pizza sales are over 5 billion worldwide every year. I am sure John Grisham's novel, "Playing For Pizza" will be a Bestseller. The idea for his new novel grew out of time the author spent in Italy researching his last novel, 'The Broker,' which was set in Bologna.
"Playing For Pizza"
Rick Dockery was the third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. In the AFC Championship game against Denver, to the surprise and dismay of virtually everyone, Rick actually got into the game. With a 17-point lead and just minutes to go, Rick provided what was arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL. Overnight, he became a national laughingstock and, of course, was immediately cut by the Browns and shunned by all other teams.
But all Rick knows is football, and he insists that his agent, Arnie, find a team that needs him. Against enormous odds Arnie finally locates just such a team and informs Rick that, miraculously, he can in fact now be a starting quarterback. Great, says Rick — for which team?
The mighty Panthers of Parma, Italy.
Read More here
"Playing For Pizza"
Rick Dockery was the third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. In the AFC Championship game against Denver, to the surprise and dismay of virtually everyone, Rick actually got into the game. With a 17-point lead and just minutes to go, Rick provided what was arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL. Overnight, he became a national laughingstock and, of course, was immediately cut by the Browns and shunned by all other teams.
But all Rick knows is football, and he insists that his agent, Arnie, find a team that needs him. Against enormous odds Arnie finally locates just such a team and informs Rick that, miraculously, he can in fact now be a starting quarterback. Great, says Rick — for which team?
The mighty Panthers of Parma, Italy.
Read More here
National Weekend of Faith in Action
October 19-21, 2007 The National Weekend of Faith in Action (NWFA) is an opportunity for faith communities, interfaith groups, human rights activists, and others to examine the death penalty from a faith-based or values-based perspective.
Set aside some time during the weekend of October 19-21 for an activity or event that focuses on the death penalty.
read more
Set aside some time during the weekend of October 19-21 for an activity or event that focuses on the death penalty.
read more
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Innocent - An Operation of Support For The Wrongly Convicted
Innocent ! An Operation of Support For The Wrongly Convicted. Please visit their website Innocent ! HERE
This is from their site;
Our Purpose - Response One of our purposes is to respond to every request for assistance. We may not be able to actually provide that assistance, but we will do our level best to find help for any inmate, any inmates family member, or any acquaintance of an inmate, and do it promptly!
Triage
We do our best to keep abreast of all services available to inmates in every state. This includes not only legal services, such as Innocence Projects, but other services that may be provided by religious and/or support groups.
Most of this information is available at our second web site: prisonet.com.
In addition to sending the inquirer to that site, we also check our files for any updates, and promptly respond with a personal letter.
If the letter indicates special needs, such as medical attention for an inmate, we attempt to find some one or some agency that can at least respond.
Grass-roots Support
For that inmate whose case has been accepted by a member of the national Innocence Network, we offer assistance in numerous areas, including:
serving as a liaison between the inmate and the legal team,
helping family and friends to establish an email information network, helping supporters to organize a citizens committee,providing expertise in how to work with local area media,helping to attract the attention of celebrities like Dr. Rubin Hurricane Carter,providing advice on the getting local attention with the use of
billboards,press conference,fund-raisers,government body resolutions,outdoor demonstrations,teaching how to enlist the aid of local churches and the clergy
instructions on how to organize a letter-to-the-editor campaign and even more!
This is from their site;
Our Purpose - Response One of our purposes is to respond to every request for assistance. We may not be able to actually provide that assistance, but we will do our level best to find help for any inmate, any inmates family member, or any acquaintance of an inmate, and do it promptly!
Triage
We do our best to keep abreast of all services available to inmates in every state. This includes not only legal services, such as Innocence Projects, but other services that may be provided by religious and/or support groups.
Most of this information is available at our second web site: prisonet.com.
In addition to sending the inquirer to that site, we also check our files for any updates, and promptly respond with a personal letter.
If the letter indicates special needs, such as medical attention for an inmate, we attempt to find some one or some agency that can at least respond.
Grass-roots Support
For that inmate whose case has been accepted by a member of the national Innocence Network, we offer assistance in numerous areas, including:
serving as a liaison between the inmate and the legal team,
helping family and friends to establish an email information network, helping supporters to organize a citizens committee,providing expertise in how to work with local area media,helping to attract the attention of celebrities like Dr. Rubin Hurricane Carter,providing advice on the getting local attention with the use of
billboards,press conference,fund-raisers,government body resolutions,outdoor demonstrations,teaching how to enlist the aid of local churches and the clergy
instructions on how to organize a letter-to-the-editor campaign and even more!
Death Penalty Not Cheaper Than Life In Prison
According to New Yorkers Against The Death Penalty, The Death Penalty cost a great deal more than life in prison.
"Elimination of the death penalty [in California] would result in a net savings to the state of at least tens of millions of dollars annually, and a net savings to local governments in the millions to tens of millions of dollars on a statewide basis." (Joint Legislative Budget Committee of the California Legislature, 09/9/99)
Total cost of death penalty is 38% greater than total cost of life without parole sentences. (Indiana Criminal Law Study Commission, January 10, 2002)
Since its return to New York in 1995, $160 million has been spent. The New York Daily News estimates that before the first execution takes place, $238 million will be spent.
In addition to the funds required to try death penalty cases, the New York Department of Correctional Services spent $1.3 million to construct New York's 12-inmate death row and pays nearly $300,000 per year to guard the unit. (New York Law Journal, April 30, 2002)
NYADP advocates that the money spent on the death penalty should be spent on crime prevention programs and victims’ assistance programs, both of which are severely under-funded.
"Elimination of the death penalty [in California] would result in a net savings to the state of at least tens of millions of dollars annually, and a net savings to local governments in the millions to tens of millions of dollars on a statewide basis." (Joint Legislative Budget Committee of the California Legislature, 09/9/99)
Total cost of death penalty is 38% greater than total cost of life without parole sentences. (Indiana Criminal Law Study Commission, January 10, 2002)
Since its return to New York in 1995, $160 million has been spent. The New York Daily News estimates that before the first execution takes place, $238 million will be spent.
In addition to the funds required to try death penalty cases, the New York Department of Correctional Services spent $1.3 million to construct New York's 12-inmate death row and pays nearly $300,000 per year to guard the unit. (New York Law Journal, April 30, 2002)
NYADP advocates that the money spent on the death penalty should be spent on crime prevention programs and victims’ assistance programs, both of which are severely under-funded.
Ada Oklahoma Notable Persons
- Dennis Fritz - Former teacher, who along with Ron Williamson, was wrongfully convicted of murder and was the other subject of John Grisham's The Innocent Man. Author of an autobiography titled Journey Towards Justice, published by Seven Locks Press in 2006, which is the story of Dennis' life and the twelve years he spent wronfully incarcerated in the Oklahoma prison system.
- Ron Williamson - Former Minor League Baseball player who was wrongfully convicted of murder and was the main subject of John Grisham's The Innocent Man.
- Don B. Billingsley - Billingsley, who graduated from East Central University in 1993 , previously played high school football in Odessa, Texas for the Permian Panthers. He is portrayed by Garrett Hedlund in the 2004 film Friday Night Lights as tortured tailback who has to try and live up to the expectations of his father.
- Jeremy Castle, a country music star, was born in Blanchard, OK, and attended East Central University.
- Charles "Chuckie" Caufield - Professional baseball player and former outfielder for Oklahoma Sooners, Charles was born in Ada and graduated from Ada High School. He earned All-State honors in basketball as a senior
- Dan Cody, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens was born in Ada.
- Lowell Fulson - guitarist, moved to Ada in 1938.
- Mark Gastineau - National Football League all-star, ECU graduate.
- David Jimenez - Professional comedian ECU graduate
- M.G. Kelly - Nationally syndicated disc jockey.
- Kristian Bergsnes - Professional songwriter.
- Robert S. Kerr - Former Oklahoma Governor and long-time US Senator, born in Ada.
- Jane Lawton - Delegate, Maryland General Assembly.
- Zac Maloy - Singer and founding member of post-grunge band The Nixons.
- Jody Newberry - Professional Bull Rider, 2003 PBR Rookie of the Year and 2003 PBR Finals Event Winner.
- Dwayne O'Brien - Singer and founding member of country band Little Texas.
- William Peterson - Pontotoc County district attorney .
- Oral Roberts - Evangelist, born in Ada.
- Blake Shelton – Rising country music star. Has had several top 10 hits.
- Jeremy Shockey – National Football League tight end, born in Ada.
- Leon Polk Smith - Abstract artist known for his work with geometric painting, graduate of East Central University.
- Harland Stonecipher - Founder and CEO of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Library Boy: 50 Years Later, Truscott Murder Conviction Deemed 'Miscarriage of Justice'
Library Boy in my opinion is one of the Best Bloggers for law news in Canada. Former news researcher/journalist and web producer, reference librarian at the Supreme Court of Canada since Sept. '05, graduate of McGill University.
He has a Great post about the Steven Truscott's case:
Read more here:
Library Boy: 50 Years Later, Truscott Murder Conviction Deemed 'Miscarriage of Justice'
He has a Great post about the Steven Truscott's case:
At age 14, Truscott was sentenced to hang in 1959 in what became one of the most famous and controversial trials in the Canadian history. His sentence was later commuted to life in prison. He was paroled after 10 years in federal penitentiary
Read more here:
Library Boy: 50 Years Later, Truscott Murder Conviction Deemed 'Miscarriage of Justice'
Monday, September 10, 2007
The State Calls Glen Gore : Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpt
"The state calls Glen Gore," Peterson declared in his calm
and bold manner.
Gore was short and stocky with a plump face and black
wavy hair. He was sworn in and sat nervously in the witness chair
as he waited for Peterson to speak.
The district attorney asked Gore to name his past felonies
for which he had received convictions.
"Objections, Your Honor. The state doesn't have the right to
impeach its own witnesses," Barney argued.
"Overruled, Mr Ward. There's an evidence code, and if he's
a hostile witness, I think it's for your own behalf. I will allow him
to proceed.
"Gore had recently been brought back from penitentiary
after he had been convicted of kidnapping, first-degree burglary,
and shooting with the intent to kill. He had a string of other felonies
but he only named the convictions he received time on. He was a
smooth talker once he got started. His answers were straightforward
and without hesitation. His dark, ominous eyes shifted from side
to side as he purported the events of December 7, 1982, the eve
of Debbie's murder.
"I went out to the Coach Light nightclub...............
page 105
Excerpted from Journey Toward Justice by Dennis Fritz Copyright © 2006 by Seven Locks Press. Excerpted by permission of Seven Locks Press All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
I did one book excerpt on my blog, Barbara's Journey Toward Justice and received many emails from readers ... they wanted more. I decided to start another blog just for Dennis Fritz's, Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpts. I will be adding more as time goes by.
and bold manner.
Gore was short and stocky with a plump face and black
wavy hair. He was sworn in and sat nervously in the witness chair
as he waited for Peterson to speak.
The district attorney asked Gore to name his past felonies
for which he had received convictions.
"Objections, Your Honor. The state doesn't have the right to
impeach its own witnesses," Barney argued.
"Overruled, Mr Ward. There's an evidence code, and if he's
a hostile witness, I think it's for your own behalf. I will allow him
to proceed.
"Gore had recently been brought back from penitentiary
after he had been convicted of kidnapping, first-degree burglary,
and shooting with the intent to kill. He had a string of other felonies
but he only named the convictions he received time on. He was a
smooth talker once he got started. His answers were straightforward
and without hesitation. His dark, ominous eyes shifted from side
to side as he purported the events of December 7, 1982, the eve
of Debbie's murder.
"I went out to the Coach Light nightclub...............
page 105
Excerpted from Journey Toward Justice by Dennis Fritz Copyright © 2006 by Seven Locks Press. Excerpted by permission of Seven Locks Press All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
I did one book excerpt on my blog, Barbara's Journey Toward Justice and received many emails from readers ... they wanted more. I decided to start another blog just for Dennis Fritz's, Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpts. I will be adding more as time goes by.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Laws Would Help Keep Innocent Out Of Prison
Laws would help keep innocent out of prison
By Gloria Romero, Elaine Alquist and Mark Ridley-Thomas Article Launched: 09/07/2007 01:34:05 AM PDT
It's hard to imagine why someone would confess to a double murder he didn't commit. It's hard to imagine, that is, until you hear Harold Hall describe the 17 hours of intense interrogation he endured when he was 18 years old. The only way out was to tell his interrogators what they wanted to hear.
Prosecutors bolstered his false confession with false testimony by a jailhouse informant. The jury convicted him and prosecutors asked for the death penalty. Hall told the jury that he was an innocent man. They spared him from the death penalty, but sentenced him to life without parole.
Hall lost 19 years of his life before he was finally granted a new trial and the charges dismissed. This past January, Timothy Atkins was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and robbery. In February, he walked into the arms of his family and stood on the steps of the court house with his lawyers from the California Innocence Project, a free man for the first time in 20 years. Atkins was wrongfully convicted based on mistaken eyewitness identification and the testimony of an informant who had been told by Los Angeles police, "You're not going to leave until you tell us something."
This summer, The Innocence Project in New York marked the 200th case in which DNA evidence freed an innocent person.
Most wrongful convictions result from coerced confessions, false testimony by jailhouse informants or mistaken eyewitness identifications.
Wrongful convictions lead to three significant injustices: an innocent person is incarcerated; criminal investigations end, leaving the real perpetrator free to commit more crimes; and victims' families suffer.
In addition, police or the state may be sued for wrongful incarceration leading to large financial settlements. To prevent all of these injustices, we have introduced a trio of bills to help end wrongful convictions, as recommended by the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice. Chaired by former Attorney General John Van de Kamp, the commission includes representatives of law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and victims' advocates and has recommended these legislative reforms.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed two similar bills last year. Although he praised the concept of the bills, the governor cited "drafting errors" in his vetoes. Those "errors" have since been corrected.
This week, the Legislature passed all three bills and sent them to Schwarzenegger.
In the interest of justice, we urge him to sign all three bills this month. Electronic recording of custodial interrogations would help end coerced confessions and protect both defendants and the police
SB511 (Alquist) would mandate recording of the entire interrogation,including the Miranda warning. Several other states already require recording of the full interrogation, including Iowa, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers praise the practice in every state where it is now required.
Misidentification of perpetrators by eyewitnesses causes the most wrongful convictions.
SB 756 (Ridley-Thomas) would require the attorney general to develop voluntary guidelines for conducting lineups based on documented best practices.
The third proposed law would curb false testimony by jailhouse informants by requiring corroborating evidence for all such testimony. Jailhouse informants have strong reasons to lie because they are offered leniency in return for information.
SB 609 (Romero) would not affect a large number of cases in California, but it would provide important protections, particularly in death penalty cases. Working to free innocent people wrongly imprisoned is a long process, often taken up by volunteer attorneys and law students who can serve only a small fraction of those who need assistance. This trio of bills would curb the most common causes of wrongful convictions and protect defendants, police, victims and the state.
GLORIA ROMERO is the state Senate majority leader and represents part of Los Angeles.
ELAINE ALQUIST is a state senator representing San Jose.
MARK RIDLEY- THOMAS is a state senator representing part of Los Angeles. All Democrats, they wrote this article for the Mercury News . http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6824983?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Book Recommendation, "Journey Toward Justice", author Dennis Fritz.
Dennis Fritz is the other innocent man in John Grisham's book, "The Innocent Man".
By Gloria Romero, Elaine Alquist and Mark Ridley-Thomas Article Launched: 09/07/2007 01:34:05 AM PDT
It's hard to imagine why someone would confess to a double murder he didn't commit. It's hard to imagine, that is, until you hear Harold Hall describe the 17 hours of intense interrogation he endured when he was 18 years old. The only way out was to tell his interrogators what they wanted to hear.
Prosecutors bolstered his false confession with false testimony by a jailhouse informant. The jury convicted him and prosecutors asked for the death penalty. Hall told the jury that he was an innocent man. They spared him from the death penalty, but sentenced him to life without parole.
Hall lost 19 years of his life before he was finally granted a new trial and the charges dismissed. This past January, Timothy Atkins was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and robbery. In February, he walked into the arms of his family and stood on the steps of the court house with his lawyers from the California Innocence Project, a free man for the first time in 20 years. Atkins was wrongfully convicted based on mistaken eyewitness identification and the testimony of an informant who had been told by Los Angeles police, "You're not going to leave until you tell us something."
This summer, The Innocence Project in New York marked the 200th case in which DNA evidence freed an innocent person.
Most wrongful convictions result from coerced confessions, false testimony by jailhouse informants or mistaken eyewitness identifications.
Wrongful convictions lead to three significant injustices: an innocent person is incarcerated; criminal investigations end, leaving the real perpetrator free to commit more crimes; and victims' families suffer.
In addition, police or the state may be sued for wrongful incarceration leading to large financial settlements. To prevent all of these injustices, we have introduced a trio of bills to help end wrongful convictions, as recommended by the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice. Chaired by former Attorney General John Van de Kamp, the commission includes representatives of law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and victims' advocates and has recommended these legislative reforms.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed two similar bills last year. Although he praised the concept of the bills, the governor cited "drafting errors" in his vetoes. Those "errors" have since been corrected.
This week, the Legislature passed all three bills and sent them to Schwarzenegger.
In the interest of justice, we urge him to sign all three bills this month. Electronic recording of custodial interrogations would help end coerced confessions and protect both defendants and the police
SB511 (Alquist) would mandate recording of the entire interrogation,including the Miranda warning. Several other states already require recording of the full interrogation, including Iowa, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers praise the practice in every state where it is now required.
Misidentification of perpetrators by eyewitnesses causes the most wrongful convictions.
SB 756 (Ridley-Thomas) would require the attorney general to develop voluntary guidelines for conducting lineups based on documented best practices.
The third proposed law would curb false testimony by jailhouse informants by requiring corroborating evidence for all such testimony. Jailhouse informants have strong reasons to lie because they are offered leniency in return for information.
SB 609 (Romero) would not affect a large number of cases in California, but it would provide important protections, particularly in death penalty cases. Working to free innocent people wrongly imprisoned is a long process, often taken up by volunteer attorneys and law students who can serve only a small fraction of those who need assistance. This trio of bills would curb the most common causes of wrongful convictions and protect defendants, police, victims and the state.
GLORIA ROMERO is the state Senate majority leader and represents part of Los Angeles.
ELAINE ALQUIST is a state senator representing San Jose.
MARK RIDLEY- THOMAS is a state senator representing part of Los Angeles. All Democrats, they wrote this article for the Mercury News . http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6824983?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Book Recommendation, "Journey Toward Justice", author Dennis Fritz.
Dennis Fritz is the other innocent man in John Grisham's book, "The Innocent Man".
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Stop Wrongful Convictions in California
The three most common causes of wrongful conviction are mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, and false testimony by informants. Modern DNA evidence has proven that innocent people are sent to prison for crimes they did not commit far more often than we think. But we can change that.
The California State Senate created the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice to review the causes of wrongful conviction and wrongful execution in California.
The Commission has issued three interim reports recommending legislative changes to prevent the most common causes of wrongful conviction in California: mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions and the use of jailhouse informants.
Three bills have been introduced to implement the Commission's recommended reforms:
Senate Bill 511 (Alquist) will require the electronic recording of police interrogation in cases involving homicides and other serious felonies.
Senate Bill 756 (Ridley-Thomas) will require the appointment of a task force to draft guidelines for the conduct of police line-ups and photo arrays to increase the accuracy of eyewitness identifications.
Senate Bill 609 (Romero) will require the corroboration of testimony by jailhouse informants.
The California Commission on the Fair Administration a group of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys, has recommended all three reforms.
These reforms will help protect the innocent and make sure the guilty are convicted.
Tell Governor Schwarzenegger to support bills aimed at eliminating wrongful conviction.
Update:Petition ended
Help End Wrongful Convictions - Support SB511, SB756, and SB 609
The California State Senate created the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice to review the causes of wrongful conviction and wrongful execution in California.
The Commission has issued three interim reports recommending legislative changes to prevent the most common causes of wrongful conviction in California: mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions and the use of jailhouse informants.
Three bills have been introduced to implement the Commission's recommended reforms:
Senate Bill 511 (Alquist) will require the electronic recording of police interrogation in cases involving homicides and other serious felonies.
Senate Bill 756 (Ridley-Thomas) will require the appointment of a task force to draft guidelines for the conduct of police line-ups and photo arrays to increase the accuracy of eyewitness identifications.
Senate Bill 609 (Romero) will require the corroboration of testimony by jailhouse informants.
The California Commission on the Fair Administration a group of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys, has recommended all three reforms.
These reforms will help protect the innocent and make sure the guilty are convicted.
Tell Governor Schwarzenegger to support bills aimed at eliminating wrongful conviction.
Update:Petition ended
Help End Wrongful Convictions - Support SB511, SB756, and SB 609
The California State Senate created the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice to review the causes of wrongful conviction and wrongful execution in California. The Commission has issued three interim reports recommending legislative changes to prevent the most common causes of wrongful conviction in California: mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions and the use of jailhouse informants.
Three bills have been introduced to implement the Commission's recommended reforms:
Senate Bill 511 (Alquist) will require the electronic recording of police interrogation in cases involving homicides and other serious felonies.
Senate Bill 756 (Ridley-Thomas) will require the appointment of a task force to draft guidelines for the conduct of police line-ups and photo arrays to increase the accuracy of eyewitness identifications.
Senate Bill 609 (Romero) will require the corroboration of testimony by jailhouse informants.
The California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice'a group of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys, has recommended all three reforms. These reforms will help protect the innocent and make sure the guilty are convicted.
Urge the Governor to support these bills.
Three bills have been introduced to implement the Commission's recommended reforms:
Senate Bill 511 (Alquist) will require the electronic recording of police interrogation in cases involving homicides and other serious felonies.
Senate Bill 756 (Ridley-Thomas) will require the appointment of a task force to draft guidelines for the conduct of police line-ups and photo arrays to increase the accuracy of eyewitness identifications.
Senate Bill 609 (Romero) will require the corroboration of testimony by jailhouse informants.
The California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice'a group of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys, has recommended all three reforms. These reforms will help protect the innocent and make sure the guilty are convicted.
Urge the Governor to support these bills.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Video Keyes-Obama debate 2 Death Penalty and Abortion
10/21/2004: Debate on death penalty and abortion. Alan Keys and Barack Obama
You Tube Video.
Debate Organized by the League of Women Voters, Chicago Urban League and Asian American Institute
read more digg story
You Tube Video.
Debate Organized by the League of Women Voters, Chicago Urban League and Asian American Institute
read more digg story
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Innocent Man Dennis Fritz: Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpts
January 2006, I read Dennis Fritz's book "Journey Toward Justice,
Now a bestseller on Amazon. I started a blog titled Barbara's Journey Toward Justice .
After reading "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz, I decided to join his Journey. To bring Public awareness of issues. Such as : Wrongful Convictions - Death Penalty - The Exonerated - Faith - The Criminal Justice System and The Innocence Project.
I did one book excerpt on my blog and received many emails from readers ... they wanted more. I decided to start another blog just for Dennis Fritz's, Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpts. I will be adding more as time goes by.
I do this on my own free will, in my free time and without monetary compensation.
If I save just one man or woman from what Dennis Fritz has been through, all my hard work will be, not hard work, but a blessing.
Below is what some critics say about "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz.
Praise From John Grisham:
Journey Toward Justice By: Dennis Fritz The story of the unwarranted prosecution and wrongful conviction of Dennis Fritz is compelling and fascinating. After serving eleven years for a murder he did not commit, Dennis was exonerated and had the strength and courage to put his life back together.- John Grisham
There have been one hundred eighty-one post-conviction DNA exonerations in America . The exonerated and their families are the heart and soul of this movement. There is no more decent and dignified a man, nor a more gentle soul, than Dennis Fritz. He has had the fortitude to tell his whole story. As always, I am in awe of his courage and humbled by his efforts. - Barry C. Scheck The Innocence Project
Overzealous prosecutors led justice astray as their lust for an unjustified conviction of two innocent men caused a bizarre nightmare to unfold and greatly affect the judicial integrity of our legal justice system. - Judge Donald McCartin Retired Superior Court Judge The Hanging judge of Orange County , CA , who sentenced nine men to death row
Within the first pages of Journey Toward Justice , Dennis Fritz grabs the reader's attention. His vivid descriptions recall memories of a time when Ada was stunned by the brutal murder of a young woman. At last, Mr. Fritz tells his side of an event that changed his life and this small community forever. - Brenda Tollett Ada Evening News
Riveting and provocative-a heartfelt journey about truth, determination and justice.-Stephanie Esposito Producer, Court TV documentary Stories of the Innocence Project: Broken Words
This heartbreaking and true story is a must-read for anyone interested in the perversion of justice. - Alexandra Pelosi HBO Documentary Films Director Former NBC Dateline producer Attended exoneration
Dennis's book is simultaneously entertaining and horrifying. Journey Toward Justice is a story of great impact and great importance.- Mark Barrett Defense Attorney
Nobody wants to believe our courts are capable of serious and tragic mistakes, let alone systemic corruption. But the evidence suggests that while most people in law enforcement operate decently, others repeatedly place conviction rates above justice. Journey Toward Justice , one innocent man's story, reads like a detective story, with numerous twists and turns, racing toward a conclusion. Not only does it offer an authentic sense of life in prison, it should serve as an admonition to anyone who serves on a jury: Take the "beyond a reasonable doubt" with deadly seriousness, and don't allow yourself to be railroaded.- Alan W. Bock Senior Editorial Writer Orange County Register Author, Waiting to Inhale
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS! Dennis Fritz's "Journey" exposes serious potholes and detours in the convoluted road toward justice. It's an emotionally breathtaking ride you'll never forget.- Don Lasseter True Crime Author
Journey Toward Justice clearly brings to fore the immense burden upon any civilized society to prove the guilt or innocence of its citizens beyond a reasonable doubt so that the framework of justice can prevail.- Judge Issac Shimoni Vice President Central Court Jerusalem , Israel
Journey Toward Justice sheds a light on the grim reality that lurks in the shadows of the American justice system. This powerful saga spins a dramatic web of intrigue that is even more chilling because it is true. Were it not for Mr. Fritz's fortitude and the watchful work of The Innocence Project, this innocent man would still be rotting in jail.- Margaret Burk Founder, Round Table West The largest book club on the West Coast
Journey Toward Justice is a classic example of how real life can be stranger and more frightening than fiction. Dennis Fritz's tale of the true life nightmare visited on him by often-times corrupt and other-times incompetent law enforcement officials will frighten the reader more than any novel can.- Joseph Badal Author, The Pythagorean Solution , Terror Cell
"Journey Toward Justice" Memoir by Dennis Fritz - Seven Locks Press, Santa Ana, Ca On Amazon Here
Now a bestseller on Amazon. I started a blog titled Barbara's Journey Toward Justice .
After reading "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz, I decided to join his Journey. To bring Public awareness of issues. Such as : Wrongful Convictions - Death Penalty - The Exonerated - Faith - The Criminal Justice System and The Innocence Project.
I did one book excerpt on my blog and received many emails from readers ... they wanted more. I decided to start another blog just for Dennis Fritz's, Journey Toward Justice Book Excerpts. I will be adding more as time goes by.
I do this on my own free will, in my free time and without monetary compensation.
If I save just one man or woman from what Dennis Fritz has been through, all my hard work will be, not hard work, but a blessing.
Below is what some critics say about "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz.
Praise From John Grisham:
Journey Toward Justice By: Dennis Fritz The story of the unwarranted prosecution and wrongful conviction of Dennis Fritz is compelling and fascinating. After serving eleven years for a murder he did not commit, Dennis was exonerated and had the strength and courage to put his life back together.- John Grisham
There have been one hundred eighty-one post-conviction DNA exonerations in America . The exonerated and their families are the heart and soul of this movement. There is no more decent and dignified a man, nor a more gentle soul, than Dennis Fritz. He has had the fortitude to tell his whole story. As always, I am in awe of his courage and humbled by his efforts. - Barry C. Scheck The Innocence Project
Overzealous prosecutors led justice astray as their lust for an unjustified conviction of two innocent men caused a bizarre nightmare to unfold and greatly affect the judicial integrity of our legal justice system. - Judge Donald McCartin Retired Superior Court Judge The Hanging judge of Orange County , CA , who sentenced nine men to death row
Within the first pages of Journey Toward Justice , Dennis Fritz grabs the reader's attention. His vivid descriptions recall memories of a time when Ada was stunned by the brutal murder of a young woman. At last, Mr. Fritz tells his side of an event that changed his life and this small community forever. - Brenda Tollett Ada Evening News
Riveting and provocative-a heartfelt journey about truth, determination and justice.-Stephanie Esposito Producer, Court TV documentary Stories of the Innocence Project: Broken Words
This heartbreaking and true story is a must-read for anyone interested in the perversion of justice. - Alexandra Pelosi HBO Documentary Films Director Former NBC Dateline producer Attended exoneration
Dennis's book is simultaneously entertaining and horrifying. Journey Toward Justice is a story of great impact and great importance.- Mark Barrett Defense Attorney
Nobody wants to believe our courts are capable of serious and tragic mistakes, let alone systemic corruption. But the evidence suggests that while most people in law enforcement operate decently, others repeatedly place conviction rates above justice. Journey Toward Justice , one innocent man's story, reads like a detective story, with numerous twists and turns, racing toward a conclusion. Not only does it offer an authentic sense of life in prison, it should serve as an admonition to anyone who serves on a jury: Take the "beyond a reasonable doubt" with deadly seriousness, and don't allow yourself to be railroaded.- Alan W. Bock Senior Editorial Writer Orange County Register Author, Waiting to Inhale
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS! Dennis Fritz's "Journey" exposes serious potholes and detours in the convoluted road toward justice. It's an emotionally breathtaking ride you'll never forget.- Don Lasseter True Crime Author
Journey Toward Justice clearly brings to fore the immense burden upon any civilized society to prove the guilt or innocence of its citizens beyond a reasonable doubt so that the framework of justice can prevail.- Judge Issac Shimoni Vice President Central Court Jerusalem , Israel
Journey Toward Justice sheds a light on the grim reality that lurks in the shadows of the American justice system. This powerful saga spins a dramatic web of intrigue that is even more chilling because it is true. Were it not for Mr. Fritz's fortitude and the watchful work of The Innocence Project, this innocent man would still be rotting in jail.- Margaret Burk Founder, Round Table West The largest book club on the West Coast
Journey Toward Justice is a classic example of how real life can be stranger and more frightening than fiction. Dennis Fritz's tale of the true life nightmare visited on him by often-times corrupt and other-times incompetent law enforcement officials will frighten the reader more than any novel can.- Joseph Badal Author, The Pythagorean Solution , Terror Cell
"Journey Toward Justice" Memoir by Dennis Fritz - Seven Locks Press, Santa Ana, Ca On Amazon Here
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Innocence Project Wrongful Conviction Workshop
For students planning course selections for the fall and beyond or for anyone thinking of attending law school — here is something worth checking out.
Wrongful Conviction Workshops.
Innocence Project
The Innocence Project at Osgoode Hall Law School York University involves work on cases of suspected wrongful conviction. Students will be working on files under the direction of Professor Dianne Martin with supervision from local lawyers in addition to studying areas of law germane to the problem of wrongful conviction.
The Innocence Project will involve work over two terms. Students will work on a directed research project of three credit hours in the first term and a clinical program of six credit hours in the second term for a total of nine credits. Students will be selected on the basis of an interview conducted with the two Directors of the Project
The heart of the program is supervised clinical work on actual cases of possible wrongful conviction which have been pre-screened by the Directors of the Project and by the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Convicted (AIDWYC). Beyond the investigative work which must be undertaken on any file, students will be required to conduct an exhaustive review of the record in the trial and appellate courts, and may be involved in obtaining new forensic or DNA testing. Students will also be responsible for a major paper on an issue relevant to the problem of wrongful conviction.
Throughout the two terms, students will be required to attend regular workshops on issues relevant to the problem of wrongful conviction. In terms of the major paper and the workshops, students in the Innocence Project will study the following subjects:
Forensic Testing
The Law of Interrogation
The Law and the Flaws of Eyewitness Identification
Analyzing Circumstantial Evidence
Professional Conduct: Crown Disclosure, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Exculpatory Evidence and Evidence of "Other Suspects"
Overreaching Prosecution (including evaluation of opening and closing addresses to the jury)
Change of Venue and Challenge for Cause
Jail House Confession and the Use of Informants
Clinical work will be evaluated on the basis of a pass/fail grade and a detailed evaluation prepared by the Directors of the Project. The major paper will receive a letter grade.
A Book Recommendation for all Wrongful Conviction Workshops."Journey Toward Justice" author,Dennis Fritz
Dennis Fritz's Book "Journey Toward Justice" click On Amazon Here
International Orders Order Here "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz From Around The World click on here Amazon International Just type in Journey Toward Justice Author Dennis Fritz
Wrongful Conviction Workshops.
Innocence Project
The Innocence Project at Osgoode Hall Law School York University involves work on cases of suspected wrongful conviction. Students will be working on files under the direction of Professor Dianne Martin with supervision from local lawyers in addition to studying areas of law germane to the problem of wrongful conviction.
The Innocence Project will involve work over two terms. Students will work on a directed research project of three credit hours in the first term and a clinical program of six credit hours in the second term for a total of nine credits. Students will be selected on the basis of an interview conducted with the two Directors of the Project
The heart of the program is supervised clinical work on actual cases of possible wrongful conviction which have been pre-screened by the Directors of the Project and by the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Convicted (AIDWYC). Beyond the investigative work which must be undertaken on any file, students will be required to conduct an exhaustive review of the record in the trial and appellate courts, and may be involved in obtaining new forensic or DNA testing. Students will also be responsible for a major paper on an issue relevant to the problem of wrongful conviction.
Throughout the two terms, students will be required to attend regular workshops on issues relevant to the problem of wrongful conviction. In terms of the major paper and the workshops, students in the Innocence Project will study the following subjects:
Forensic Testing
The Law of Interrogation
The Law and the Flaws of Eyewitness Identification
Analyzing Circumstantial Evidence
Professional Conduct: Crown Disclosure, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Exculpatory Evidence and Evidence of "Other Suspects"
Overreaching Prosecution (including evaluation of opening and closing addresses to the jury)
Change of Venue and Challenge for Cause
Jail House Confession and the Use of Informants
Clinical work will be evaluated on the basis of a pass/fail grade and a detailed evaluation prepared by the Directors of the Project. The major paper will receive a letter grade.
A Book Recommendation for all Wrongful Conviction Workshops."Journey Toward Justice" author,Dennis Fritz
Dennis Fritz's Book "Journey Toward Justice" click On Amazon Here
International Orders Order Here "Journey Toward Justice" by Dennis Fritz From Around The World click on here Amazon International Just type in Journey Toward Justice Author Dennis Fritz
Monday, September 3, 2007
Worlds Oldest Blogger
I have a blog called "Barbara's Journey Toward Justice". My main issues are, wrongful convictions, death penalty, the innocence project, criminal justice system and faith. This story will be filed under faith. As a baby boomer and a blogger, I found this story amazing.
Two quotes come to my mind here. They are:
"You're never too old to become young" - Mae West and
"You are never too old to read and love"- Dr. Seuss
A Spanish great-grandmother has gained an international following, gaining more than a third of a million hits on her blog. Amelia López is against nursing homes and just sitting around waiting to die. She wonders why nursing homes don't provide Internet access.
"You have to live life," the silver-haired blogger said in her most recent post. "Not sit around in an armchair waiting for death."
Among her chief hates are old people's homes, which she criticises for drugging their clients so they spend their final days snoozing quietly in front of the television
"Internet has given me a new lease of life, but I don't see any old people's homes offering their residents Internet," she said.
Here is a story from
Source: guardian
She is billed as the world's oldest blogger. At 95 years old and with a worldwide following that has seen more than 340,000 hits on her blog, Spaniard María Amelia López has achieved the kind of status that millions of younger internet chroniclers can only dream of.
López, who was introduced to the world of blogging by one of her grandchildren just eight months ago, has become such a global hit that she receives posts in languages as strange and impossible for her to understand as Russian, Japanese and Arabic.
"My name is Amelia and I was born in Muxía (A Coruña - Spain) on December the 23rd of 1911," she wrote as her first post on amis95.blogspot.com. "Today it's my birthday and my grandson, who is very stingy, gave me a blog."
With a mix of humour, warmth, optimism, nostalgia and feisty outbursts of leftwing polemic, she has won a regular readership of people keen to find out just what this Spanish great-grandmother is going to say or do next.
Two quotes come to my mind here. They are:
"You're never too old to become young" - Mae West and
"You are never too old to read and love"- Dr. Seuss
A Spanish great-grandmother has gained an international following, gaining more than a third of a million hits on her blog. Amelia López is against nursing homes and just sitting around waiting to die. She wonders why nursing homes don't provide Internet access.
"You have to live life," the silver-haired blogger said in her most recent post. "Not sit around in an armchair waiting for death."
Among her chief hates are old people's homes, which she criticises for drugging their clients so they spend their final days snoozing quietly in front of the television
"Internet has given me a new lease of life, but I don't see any old people's homes offering their residents Internet," she said.
Here is a story from
Source: guardian
She is billed as the world's oldest blogger. At 95 years old and with a worldwide following that has seen more than 340,000 hits on her blog, Spaniard María Amelia López has achieved the kind of status that millions of younger internet chroniclers can only dream of.
López, who was introduced to the world of blogging by one of her grandchildren just eight months ago, has become such a global hit that she receives posts in languages as strange and impossible for her to understand as Russian, Japanese and Arabic.
"My name is Amelia and I was born in Muxía (A Coruña - Spain) on December the 23rd of 1911," she wrote as her first post on amis95.blogspot.com. "Today it's my birthday and my grandson, who is very stingy, gave me a blog."
With a mix of humour, warmth, optimism, nostalgia and feisty outbursts of leftwing polemic, she has won a regular readership of people keen to find out just what this Spanish great-grandmother is going to say or do next.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
