Series on a Florida Public Defender
The Angry Clam forwards this interesting series on an idiosyncratic public defender in Hillsborough County, Florida.
I will say that the public defenders I work with are, generally speaking, some of the most talented and knowledgeable lawyers I know. They use their intimate knowledge of the courthouse, judges, and prosecutors to obtain what are often outstanding results for their clients. Of course, in unusual cases like the O.J. Simpson trial, it doesn’t hurt to have massive amounts of money to throw at a defense. But, at least as to the overwhelming majority of standard cases we see in court on a routine basis, anyone who says that justice goes only to the rich doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will say that the public defenders I work with are, generally speaking, some of the most talented and knowledgeable lawyers I know.”
I’ve seen some fantastic FPDs in my time at the courts, so I agree with you on that count.
This man, however, is not one of them. Nothing like, in your second trial ever and a pivotal point in your career, telling the fat prospective juror “I see you like to bake!” :v
Angry Clam (a7c6b1) — 8/6/2006 @ 6:43 pmWhatever. It is a “news” article after all. Didn’t you recently post something about reporters knowing nothing at all about law?
nk (f58916) — 8/6/2006 @ 7:06 pmIt doesn’t focus on the legal issues at all. It’s basically “look at this guy struggle through his first year on a job, learning the ropes, and trying to not go broke.”
Expertise is not needed.
Angry Clam (a7c6b1) — 8/6/2006 @ 7:12 pmI wonder how many of his client will use this story in their habeas corpus petitions to establish ineffective assistance of counsel.
nk (54c569) — 8/6/2006 @ 7:35 pmHe’s trying. He has passion. He’s the quintessential underdog.
I like him.
DRJ (6fd940) — 8/6/2006 @ 7:53 pmMark Spittle flies through the air and shoots lasers out of his eyes. SERIOUSLY!! I’d be nice to him when he comments here! Look at this:
http://antiprotester.blogspot.com/2006/08/mark-spittle-leftist-superhero.html
caesaria (e6306d) — 8/6/2006 @ 8:54 pm