Legal Commentary

City Bar Hosts Roundtable Entitled "Attacks on the Independence of the Judiciary"

Judge Blockhead protects thug drug-lord from death penalty . . .  Magistrate releases admitted Ponzi-schemer to luxurious private jail . . . Judge disparages her sex in sidebar . . . Sensational headlines sell papers, but when the media attacks judges, it undermines the independence of one of the key branches of government.  What can judges do (if anything) to defend themselves from such attacks?  When should journalists and editors draw the line?  Is there some common ground in the intersection between the right to a free press and the need for an independent judiciary?  The Criminal Law Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York has organized a roundtable discussion on this fascinating topic, featuring prominent federal judges, editors and journalists, and moderated by the Hon. Kimba Wood.  To be held at the Bar?s headquarters on West 44th Street on May 12 at 6:30 p.m., the program is free, and will be preceded by a reception with the panelists starting at 5:30.  Space is limited.  RSVP here if you plan to attend.

Full post as published by New York Federal Criminal Practice on May 07, 2009 (boomark / email).