I wish there could be more options than just Guilty or Not Guilty. I would like to see an option along the lines of Guilty Without A Doubt. Cases where there is video, someone has confessed, indisputable DNA evidence, etc. Some people just need killing. Predators. The guy in NY who recently raped and beat a 92 year old woman to death. Quick execution is needed! I do respect you and your opinion. I just cannot be philosophically opposed to snuffing out the life of such heinous individuals. MOO.
BellaVita, at times we have disagreed. Vehemently. Today? We stand together. And to other posters that I have challenged, today I offer you an olive branch. “I Have A Dream.” It’s a little different than Martin Luther King. But I dream of a better place. A better way. A new way. If we can reunite as a country even on this one issue of Domestic Violence, maybe we can continue to seek other issues to unite us. One small issue at a time.
I’m just moved to get up on my soap box this am. For Justice for Jennifer. Don’t know why.
Along with toothbrushes in my judicial bench drawer, I’d establish a separate appeal system for death crimes.
Arrested for murder? Bogus defense motions? Get a ruling. Immediately. As in 30 days. Appeal to separate line of appellate courts. 60 days later, expedited hearing. Decision. Don’t like ruling of your motion on appeal? 60 days S Ct.
The Supreme Court for Death Cases will hear it for death cases and render a decision. Ok. Take it to the Supreme Court of CT. That highest court in CT would be required to set it for briefing and hearing with in 60 days of Notice of Appeal. Hear it. Rule. Send it back down so that the judicial system keeps working on it. ASAP.
Trial. Found guilty. You want to appeal? No problem. Appeal to a specially designated Appellate Court for Death Crimes. Don’t like answer from that special appellate court? No problem. Appeal to Supreme Court for Death Cases.
A distinct and separate line of courts, limited to hearing and ruling on death cases only. Whether death penalty or life sentences, a one track line of courts, full time, funded, charged with handling death cases only.
It would take that special crime of death on an express ride to conclusion. Once past arrest, everything handled by a totally separate and distinct line of courts. Not part time. Not “as needed” to put together special prosecutors. Full time part of judicial branch whether state or federal government which will have ONLY one role. It would have separate jurisdiction for death cases from the regular criminal court system. Take exclusive jurisdiction of the death case, from start to finish in an effort to streamline the process. Keep every due process right afforded to the accused, every tactic, every strategy, every thing the same except limited to death of victim cases. Instead of YEARS to reach justice, MONTHS. There would be less need for continuances, based on work load of the court, judges and staff. Preferential funding from the government to preclude timing issues slowing down the wheels of justice based on lack of funds, manpower, assistance, or need for briefing. Basically remove any road block to a one way express ride to the outcome.
Rather than 500 cases waiting their turn to go in front of one judge for a hearing or some other ruling, implement a term used in my area of the country. “A Rocket Docket.”
It’s been a number of years now, but my state’s civil trial docket used to take 7-8 years to reach trial ready status and then actual trial. A number of years ago, politicians swept out that antiquated system. And implemented a series of reforms that took a civil matter that needed 7-8 years to conclude, now averages about 1.5 years. Sure, some cases get resolved much sooner. And periodically, a very complex case takes longer. But as soon as a case is filed, it is put on one of three time tracks to resolution. It’s not perfect. But it’s so much better than it was before the changes.
Our entire state is progressive. Sure we have our problems. Corruption. Crime. But we strive to implement reform to keep pace with the changing circumstances our state faces on a daily basis.
I don’t agree with all the changes. I’m sure other citizens don’t agree with different changes. But overall, we’re doing a real good job of running this place. I’m not native born. And natives have a special affinity for each other, but I’m still welcome here. I’ve been given opportunities that are non existent to me in other states. Yep. “Texas is like a whole other country.”
Maybe not because 6 different countries flew their flags over our state. But because we are progressive. You may think we’re a bunch of loud mouthed, bragging, big bubble haired citizens. And that’s ok. There are always a few that personify J.R. Ewing. But we don’t have people fleeing Texas. People flock to Texas. Connecticut is losing citizens in embarrassing numbers. Taxes are eating up the place. Estate taxes are onerous. Thank God Hartford implemented a new camera system to assist LE. Had it not been for those cameras, Jennifer Farber Dulos may never have had ANY chance to receive justice. Waverly Park is STILL begging for cameras. Citizens have begged for them for years. I bet the citizens would raise their own funds to pay for the installation. Given a chance. But I think they’d have to get approval....and there it sits. Some commission has to approve of citizens funding cameras. Really?
I’m just one small voice in a country of over 220 million people. I cannot do it alone. Sleuthers cannot do it alone. What is it going to take to turn Connecticut around? Progress. Modernization. Concern.
Maybe DV will be the key that opens the door to progress. There are several DV bills which have been penned and are now pending in the Connecticut legislature. I applaud those leaders. Standing ovation. Citizens of CT need to unite and support those drafters, and bombard the rest of the legislative voting branch to vote those bills into law. And add teeth to enforce those laws. And then keep drafting bills to lead CT with change. It sounds like a beautiful, scenic place. It is home to brilliant educational institutions, strong business and industry. Why has it fallen into decay? What happened?
Start with Jennifer Farber Dulos. Her legacy will be domestic violence awareness and legislative change.
Then keep progress in the forefront.
Please pass this on. And keep passing it on.
And if you have criticisms, suggestions, opinions, blast away. Everyone’s input is needed to make change happen. It’ll be give and take. That’s how we work. United. Compromise. Implement.
LET’S ROLL!
These are IMHOO.
