I've written very little about George Zimmerman's killing of Trayvon Martin, and I have nothing to say about the trial. It's a lethal-force incident, with a claim of self-defense, and in years of reading about such incidents, I've learned a few important lessons:(1) These cases are very fact-specific: Guilt or innocence can turn on just a few details, and it will be hard to … [Read more...] about Nothing to Say About the Zimmerman Trial
On Criticizing Cops Over Questionable Behavior (update)
I recently read a story about two cops who arrested a 74-year-old woman they claimed had attacked them -- although video of the incident doesn't match with their account. If I were writing about this incident, about all I could say is that it looks like the cops overreacted and then exaggerated to cover the asses. To some extent, that's just common sense, but it's a fair … [Read more...] about On Criticizing Cops Over Questionable Behavior (update)
Another Sign That the Anti-Bullying Police Force Might Not Work Out
A few days ago I pointed out that there is a certain irony in the fact that criminal anti-bullying laws would mean that the police are in charge of stopping bullying. Here's another example of how well that might work: Nineteen-year-old Pullman, Washington, resident Andrew Cain took his own life on Saturday. Now his sister, Alise Smith, is asking for an apology from the local … [Read more...] about Another Sign That the Anti-Bullying Police Force Might Not Work Out
There Goes the Chicago Criminal Law Blogosphere…
It looks like the Chicago criminal law blogging scene is going to be a barren wasteland again. Marcus Schantz is hanging it up. And I'm not just talking about his blog.I first noticed Marcus Schantz's Chicago Criminal Defense blog two years ago. At the time, I praised his story-telling abilities: Then he starts telling stories. He’s the kind of lawyer who’s willing to tell … [Read more...] about There Goes the Chicago Criminal Law Blogosphere…
Bullys Beware!
The town of Monona, Wisconsin has had enough, and from now on, when kids are bullies, police will issues violations to their parents.As far as I know, most anti-bullying laws -- even with the current level of moral panic -- are directed at forcing school districts to adopt specific disciplinary policies designed to discourage bullying. But in Monona, they've made bullying a … [Read more...] about Bullys Beware!