Texas Judge Shouldn't Lose Job Over Death-Row Inmate Controversy

[elwaylite]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583462,00.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fnational+%28Text+-+National%29


C'mon. He was twice convicted and the appeal was on the method of termination. Gimme a break, the lawyers were late, and thats their fault. If this was a first time conviction, and there were better reasons to hold, I'd be open, but this is weak and it got another deadbeat from using up any more oxygen.


Richard was executed for the brutal 1986 rape and slaying of Marguerite Dixon, a Houston-area nurse and mother of seven. He was twice-convicted and failed numerous appeals before the one drafted the night of his execution.

But on that morning, his attorneys saw a window of reprieve when the Supreme Court agreed to review a challenge to Kentucky's three-drug combination used in executions. Texas uses a similar lethal ****tail, which was the basis of Richard's final appeal.

[vurbano]

I support the death penalty but I think she should be removed. A mans life was going to end and she wouldnt keep her court open till his lawyers could get their plea to her?

[elwaylite]

Nah, he had his chance and it was just another BS move that would waste taxpayer money.

"Richard was executed for the brutal 1986 rape and slaying of Marguerite Dixon, a Houston-area nurse and mother of seven. He was twice-convicted and failed numerous appeals before the one drafted the night of his execution."

[Skyhi]

I support the death penalty but I think she should be removed. A mans life was going to end and she wouldnt keep her court open till his lawyers could get their plea to her?
I agree. That's horrible.

[elwaylite]

Im sure Miss Dixon's family thinks it was horrible. It pains me that taxpayers paid for this SOB to stay alive that long.

[msmith198025]

I dont think she should be removed for this. Perhaps she should have kept the court open later, perhaps not.

The lawyers should have handled it better, and the reason is questionable at BEST IMHO. Not to mention that this was not the first appeal.

[Bob Haller]

Execution is just government sponsored murder. So its wrong on all counts.

The judge should lose her job, if for no other reason than appearance.

[msmith198025]

Execution is just government sponsored murder. So its wrong on all counts.

The judge should lose her job, if for no other reason than appearance.

Appearance? Please explain

[Derwin0]

Don't forget this little nugget

The report also placed equal blame on Richard's lawyers. Berchelmann said The Texas Defender Service, which represented Richard, embellished the problems preventing them from filing a timely appeal before the court closed.

Berchelmann also said Richard's lawyers did not tell the truth when they told reporters that they were ready to file an appeal at 5:20 p.m.
Seems they didn't have an appeal ready anyway, they were just stalling for time.


But on that morning, his attorneys saw a window of reprieve when the Supreme Court agreed to review a challenge to Kentucky's three-drug combination used in executions. Texas uses a similar lethal ****tail, which was the basis of Richard's final appeal.Kentucky's combination was upheld by the Supreme Court, so his appeal would have failed anyway.

[Skyhi]

Im sure Miss Dixon's family thinks it was horrible. It pains me that taxpayers paid for this SOB to stay alive that long.
I'm sure the family doesn't think it was horrible, but that's besides the point. The judicial system is supposed to be impartial and the ultimate guardian of our rights. This judge should have been more lenient with a man's life was at stake.

[elwaylite]

Don't forget this little nugget

Seems they didn't have an appeal ready anyway, they were just stalling for time.

Kentucky's combination was upheld by the Supreme Court, so his appeal would have failed anyway.

Exactly.

And to Bob, whatever...

I'm a firm believer that you should have done to you, what you do to others. This guy should have been allowed to be raped in prison, then sliced up by a few inmates on PPV tv.

[HDRoberts]

So we punish people for the mistakes of their lawyers now?

I think Texas is making a great case to abolish the death penalty. First, they execute a probably innocent man in Cameron Todd Willingham, now this.

[Skyhi]

Exactly.

And to Bob, whatever...

I'm a firm believer that you should have done to you, what you do to others. This guy should have been allowed to be raped in prison, then sliced up by a few inmates on PPV tv.
The 8th amendment disagrees.

[elwaylite]

The constitution, like the bible, needs a little updating ;)

[Skyhi]

So we punish people for the mistakes of their lawyers now?

I think Texas is making a great case to abolish the death penalty. First, they execute a probably innocent man in Cameron Todd Willingham, now this.
I had a professor who spent much of her career in Texas representing death row inmates. Her stories were heartbreaking, and while not common, mistakes were made more than I previously believed.

When a man's life is at stake, the judiciary needs to take whatever steps necessary to protect his rights - - even if it means appointing new counsel.

[Skyhi]

The constitution, like the bible, needs a little updating ;)
I agree with 50% of what you said. :)

[elwaylite]

And even if it takes 23 years and $414,000 to feed the turd!


Maybe I'm too hard on this guy, but our legal system disgusts me.

[Skyhi]

And even if it takes 23 years and $414,000 to feed the turd!


Maybe I'm too hard on this guy, but our legal system disgusts me.
Our legal system can be flawed, but its the best in the world!

[elwaylite]

Our legal system can be flawed, but its the best in the world!

I dunno, the canings are kinda appealing!

[Derwin0]

I dunno, the canings are kinda appealing!Oh I loved the canning story. The kid's parents appealed to the U.S. people on the news, and most of the people said he was getting off easy. :free-happy-smileys-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay

[msmith198025]

So we punish people for the mistakes of their lawyers now?

I think Texas is making a great case to abolish the death penalty. First, they execute a probably innocent man in Cameron Todd Willingham, now this.

Actually, he was punished for the acts he commited and was convicted of.

[Skyhi]

Actually, he was punished for the acts he commited and was convicted of.
But his procedural due process rights were violated because of his lawyer's negligence.

[HDRoberts]

Actually, he was punished for the acts he commited and was convicted of.

Convicted by a justice system that says quitting time is more important than a mans life.


And even if it takes 23 years and $414,000 to feed the turd!

Maybe I'm too hard on this guy, but our legal system disgusts me.

Hate to break it to you, but an execution costs more.

[msmith198025]

But his procedural due process rights were violated because of his lawyer's negligence.

Then go after the lawyer, not the judge.

[Skyhi]

Then go after the lawyer, not the judge.
They both need to be disciplined. The lawyer for being incompetent and the judge for not protecting the Defendant's rights.