What happens next in the Jerry Sandusky case?
The premiere event will, of course, be sentencing day. A few months from now the former Penn State football coach will stand before Judge John Cleland, who will then impose an eye-popping sentence. Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of the 48 counts lodged against him. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a sentence ranging in the hundred-plus year range. Of course, anything beyond a couple decades is window-dressing. Sandusky is 68, and life expectancy goes down, not up, behind bars.
Before sentencing, Sandusky’s lawyers will...
June 24, 2012
I awoke to the sound of radio reports on the trial of Jerry Sandusky. There was rejoicing outside the courtroom. Folks traveled for miles to be present when the all but inevitable guilty verdicts were reported. Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of 48 counts! Hurrah!
I listened to this celebration and wondered just what is wrong with us as a people. We make sport of human suffering, and then choose sides, pretending to be virtuous. We’re sinners all, and the Sandusky trial proves it.
Yes, the former coach at Penn State is now a convicted sexual predator. At 68, there is no sentence...
June 23, 2012
I’ve never wanted to be the dean of law school. For that matter, I’ve never even wanted to teach at a law school either. I suppose that is a good thing, since no law school has ever wanted me to teach or lead by example. So much the worse for legal education, I say.
But at least I have job security. I might work crazy hours and never really get away from it all, but I don’t have to play nice with others to earn my bread.
Not like poor Jeremy Paul, who announced this year he was stepping down as dean of the University of Connecticut School of Law. He got run out...
June 21, 2012
Here is a letter and email chain reflecting how a Kangaroo Court works. A tragedy in four parts:
ACT I: An Invitation to an Execution:
On Jun 15, 2012, at 4:23 PM, "W, Diane" <Diane.W@po.state.ct.us> wrote:
> Dear Attorney Pattis: > > Attached please find a copy of the summary suspension packet that the Department of Public Health will present before the Connecticut Medical Examining Board (the "Board") for the Board's consideration at their next meeting, scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., at the Legislative Office Building, 300...
June 19, 2012
June 17, 2012
My wife took me to breakfast with our two surrogate children, Odysseus and Penelope, bright and early this morning. She found a dog friendly...
June 16, 2012
A lawyer’s role as counselor is often quiet, uncelebrated work. A dramatic verdict and high-fives on the courthouse steps catch all the...
June 14, 2012
Call me an idealist, a dreamer, even a fool: I believe in the presumption of innocence. When a client stands presented to the world as a criminal,...
June 10, 2012
An accusation is much like lipstick on your collar: it cries out for an explanation; silence is deemed a confession; explanations are worse. You are...
June 10, 2012
I posted a video on Facebook of Anthony Sanchez, a 34-year-old California man, using a belt on his stepson in a senseless display of rage. The two...
June 6, 2012
The conventional wisdom holds that you do a client a great deal of good if you spare him a term behind bars. Prison and the loss of liberty is the...