Where Are The Judge's With Defense Attorny Background?
By gewcew23
@gewcew23 (8007)
United States
April 12, 2010 5:35pm CST
The Washington Post has released a list of 11 candidates to replace Judge J. P. Stevens. One thing that stricks me is the lack of one candidate with criminal defense experience. I can hear it now, a collective so what. First problem none of the seating eight judges have any criminal defense experience. Second problem SCOTUS does hear cases that pertains to defendant rights. Sorry to disappoint some of you but defendants do have rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/package/supremecourt/2010candidates/candidates-for-court.html
2 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
12 Apr 10
I'm not going to look up the individual law firms for all of the candidates who list "private practice" among their experience...but what do you think "private practice" means? In the case of Ruben Castillo, who I did look up, he did represent clients in a variety of areas of the law. Since he wasn't working for the prosecution, I would imagine that he represented the defense. You might want to check out the others.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
13 Apr 10
Keep in mind, gewcew, that the job of a criminal defense attorney is to represent someone who often times is guilty and to try his/her best to get the client off. Is this area of the law reeeally that vital when it comes to a Supreme Court judge? I have an uncle who practiced contract law. His job was to fight for the wishes of his clients and to ensure that they weren't taken advantage. Is that any less honorable?
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
12 Apr 10
Out of this bunch I choose Garland:
"Pro: Garland has supporters on both sides of the Senate aisle, and there is little in his opinions - at least at this point - that would seem to arouse strong opposition... Liberal legal activists would be disappointed by the appointment of the most moderate candidate on Obama's list."
My own con: "If Obama feels a battle over a nominee would compete with his ambitious legislative goals, Garland might be the least controversial choice." I want it to be controversial to keep Obama from doing any further damage with his legislative agenda before November.
The lack of criminal defense experience doesn't bother me...
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
13 Apr 10
Before you continue to make that claim, gewcew, you should research exactly what those who list "private practice" did. For all you know some of them may have been defense attorneys...but you don't know that right now, do you?
