You've heard admonitions like this before, of course, in reference to the need to steer past mere baseline competence from a contracting third party when what you truly need is high-level performance from an individual or business entity.To wit: You wouldn't seek out...
Month: May 2017
A bit of in-the-wake reflection on AG Sessions’ sentencing memo
In a mere matter of days following its issuance, what is already widely known in shorthand form as the "Sessions memo" continues to generate material fervor and related sound bites across the country.We touched upon the continuing War on Drugs-tinged theme that...
Defendants suffer when public defenders are not paid properly
The Sixth Amendment provides one of the most recognizable lines from the Miranda warning: "You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you."In Wisconsin, this right has become less meaningful due to the state's...
Reversal: Sessions says to crack down on low-level drug offenders
What crimes do you consider to be the most serious? Murder? Child sex offenses? Even drug trafficking might be a reasonable choice. Most people believe we should apply the harshest sentences to the most serious crimes, and most have an idea of which are the most...
SCOTUS: A racist juror can lead to an overturned conviction
One of the things courts value most is finality. Once a dispute has been resolved, courts are loath to start digging into the process of resolving the dispute -- and this has traditionally led to some pernicious consequences, even without ill intent.Take the so-called...
Is the Justice Dept. about to charge Assange with espionage?
Back in January, a WikiLeaks Tweet said that Julian Assange, the transparency group's editor in chief, would agree to extradition to the United States if then-President Obama gave former Pfc. Chelsea Manning clemency.He did. Now, the Trump Administration's Department...
SCOTUS: Overturned conviction means returning fees restitution
Suppose you were wrongfully convicted of a crime, and as part of your conviction you were required to pay court costs and restitution to your alleged victim. Once your wrongful conviction was overturned, you should get that money back, shouldn't you?You've probably...