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: A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

So, here is an example of why I am finding this job harder and harder to do. There is a murder trial going on in Alaska. A re-trial in fact. See http://www.adn.com/2011/02/04/1684477/police-chief-said-he-lied-in-first.html It came to light today that a main police officer witness LIED during the first trial. That he took a certain pleasure in lying and cheating. And the State apparently knew about it and did nothing. Now usually, this would turn into a rant about how I don't like cops. How the vast majority of them are liars and cheats. But you all know my feelings on that. And besides in this cases it was another cop who couldn't stomach his lies and reported it. So I'll give it a rest. The real issue is this: the officer committed perjury. A girl was convicted of murder. And do you know what will be done? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And the District Attorney who knew about his lies and did nothing? Well, nothing will be done there either. The State Bar will do nothing. Oh there may be an investigation but it will all be swept under the rug. The State will do nothing. No one will lose his job. No perjury charges will follow. Now if one of my junkie clients lies about his identity while high out of his mind, the State will pin him to the wall. But when a cop lies and a girl gets convicted of murder? Well, he's a cop. And the DA who knew about it and hid the evidence? Well he's a DA. And that is why I am finding it harder and harder to do this anymore.

Full post as published by A Public Defender's Life in Alaska on February 04, 2011 (boomark / email).