Tag Archives: Dan Abrams

It’s hard to imagine a crime more deserving of the death penalty than placing bombs specifically designed to maim, injure and kill as many civilians (including children) as possible in a crowded public area. Alleged Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property, both resulting in death, and is eligible for the death penalty. No matter what Attorney General Eric Holder thinks about the case, or even about the …

As a regular observer of our criminal justice system, there are few things more maddening than to watch a prosecutor or other law enforcement officials simply refuse to say, “We got it wrong.” Despite overwhelming evidence of innocence, some police officers and district attorneys remain steadfast in having convictions stand or, at best, will cut deals to release defendants only if they plead no contest (often called an Alford plea), while maintaining their innocence. Yes, most district attorneys are elected officials and apologizing is …

Let’s make one thing clear at the outset: If Jodi Arias was Johnny Arias and Casey Anthony was Kevin Anthony with almost identical facts, the media and public wouldn’t care about their still-salacious trials. That’s right; it’s time to admit that the fascination, sometimes national obsession, with trials of women accused of murder is clearly related to their gender, looks and race. So what is it about a young attractive (white) woman charged with taking a life or lives that …

Americans have long enjoyed a good villain. From Congress to Wall Street, lawyers to lobbyists, we love to hate. In some cases, we just sort of dislike what they stand for or have some “feeling,” backed up by evidence (or not) that these various scoundrels aren’t really looking out for what is in most of our best interests. But in certain cases, like with pharmaceutical companies, it can be a well-earned fury documented by years of proven malfeasance. Yes, that’s …

On Nov. 6, millions of American voters will be assisting in what is nothing short of a travesty of justice. Not based on who they will vote for, but on the fact that they are voting at all — for judges. In 39 of the 50 United States, certain judges obtain or retain their positions by popular election. On its face, it may seem perfectly reasonable. Why shouldn’t judges be held accountable for their decisions? Why isn’t a judicial election …