Saddam to Be Executed by the New Year

Talk about swift and certain justice. I am no Saddam Hussein sympathizer, but I have to wonder what the rush is to carry out the sentence.

NC Bar Files Ethics Charges Against Nifong

Surprise, surprise. It is reported that the North Carolina bar has filed ethics charges against Durham district attorney Mike Nifong relating to his handling of the Duke rape case. The report states that Nifong’s punishment could range from a reprimand to disbarment. It is also possible that he could be forced off the case. In my opinion, the most severe sanctions possible shoule be imposed.

The Amazing Mendacity of Mike Nifong

The New York Times recently ran this story on the dismassal of rape charges against the Duke Three. The story raises till further questions about Mike Nifong’s competence as a prosecutor, as well as his integrity. Read more below the fold.

Bad News for Barry Bonds

In a ruling that is bad news for Major League Baseball in general, and Barry Bonds in particular, the federal 9th circuit court of appeals has ruled that a district court judge erred when he ruled that prosecutors could not be allowed access to the results of baeball’s steroids tests in connection with the BALCO probe. You can access Reuters report on the appellate ruling here.

Feds Ask Court to Jail BALCO Reporters

Federal prosecutors have asked that two San Francisco Chronicle reporters be jailed for refusing to reveal who leaked Barry Bonds’ grand jury testimony to them, news sources have reported. Setting aside for the moment whether the whoe grand jury secrecy thing has a bit too much the scent of a Star Chamber, it seems to me that sending these guys to jail for any length of time, let alone 18 months, which is what the jack boots prosecutors have asked, makes zero sense. This is tseroids in baseball we’re talking about, not al-Quaeda. Since when does the question of whether Barry was juiced merit federal law enforcement attention? Silly.

What Next in the Duke Rape Case

Andrew Cohen has a short discussion of what is likely to happen next in the Duke rape case in today’s Washington Post. What ought to be next is a dismissal of all remaining charges.

Teen Arrested in Bensalem High School Bomb Threats

Police have arrested a 14 year old in connection with bomb threats found in two boys bathrooms at Bensalem High School. Among other crimes, the teen has been charged with threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction. I don’t mean to minimize the seriousness of school safety, but it seems to me that that particular charge is way, way over the top.

Southern Appeal to Shut Down

I was saddened to learn today that Steve Dillard, known popularly as “Feddie,” has decided to shut down his blog, Southern Appeal. Southern Appeal was the very first blog I ever read, back in 2002. I have been adaily reader – usually many times a day – ever since. I followed the blog from its start as the anonymous efforts of a single law clerk to its present manifestation as a multi-blogger, many faceted production. I will miss reading Southern Appeal, and wish Feddie well. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.

Lawyer Wrongly Accused of Having Sex With Prison Inmate

A Maryland lawyer was recently accused by state prison officials of having sex with an inmate. Turns out that the amorous “lawyer” had forged business cards and a bar identification card, which enabled her to gain “access” to the inmate in question. Turns out the attorney, Amanda Sprehn, had a pretty good alibi. She was at home watching her baby and her sister’s children. The culprit, one Tiffany Weaver, has been charged with seven counts of forgery, fraud and identity theft. There does not appear to be any logical reason why Ms. Weaver chose to impersonate Ms. Sprehn. Very odd, but that’s Maryland.

Florida Marlins’ Pitcher Arrested for DUI

Dontrelle Willis was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving last night. Without offering any comment on the merits of the charges against Willis, I would suggest that urinating in the middle of the street in front of a police officer is a pretty good way to draw suspicion to yourself.