Letter to the Editor, 0820 WYBJ, Vol. 43 No. 4. 7

AuthorMark O. Hansen Ketchum, Idaho
PositionVol. 43 4 Pg. 7

Letter to the Editor

No. Vol. 43 No. 4 Pg. 7

Wyoming Bar Journal

August, 2020

Mark O. Hansen Ketchum, Idaho

Current Culture and Technology vs. the Judicial System

Dear Editor

Our justice system is under attack. Recent events highlight this tragedy and render both victim and lady justice as casualties. Pressure on judges, juries, and prosecutorial administrations to predetermine a criminal trial outcome may be likened to mobster trials of old. Protests, riots, and threats PRIOR to courtroom proceedings pressure all involved to find a politically expedient solution. Jurors may live in fear if they do not return the proper verdict. And so, lady justice suffers another blow.

While lawful protests are part of the basic fabric of democracy, fear and coercion are not. Activism is well positioned after the judicial process. Change through political protest has shaped American history and should be welcomed. Any injustice to one is an injustice to all. No person should be convicted by modern social media, or mob rule.

Responses to the current tragedy fail to address the root problem. Any individual without hope will react. No innocent person should feel uncomfortable in the presence of a police officer. We must restore hope and opportunity while requiring responsibility in poorer neighborhoods.

Most policemen respond appropriately under pressure, but no one is infallible. If an officer becomes abusive, he should be tried, fired or retrained depending on the offense. No policeman is above the law, but proper legal channels should be followed. No person...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT