BALTIMORE: BLACK JUSTICE OR SIMPLY JUSTICE? (REVISING THE CHARGES TO WIN A CONVICTION)
It must be tough to see justice clearly
through the prism of racial politics?
Once again, the blatantly political State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Marilyn Mosby has apparently responded to the media’s legal pundits who suggested that the prosecutor could probably not secure convictions on the charges originally leveled against the officers given the information known to the media at the time. So, Mosby used the grand jury proceedings to increase the probability of a conviction by removing the “false imprisonment”against three of the officers and adding a new charge of “reckless endangerment” which is easier to prosecute to a conviction.
When reading the charges, remember that they are unsupported by any evidence that has been released that would show how Freddie Gray actually died and how the police were negligent in his death. You should remember that all of these officers are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The new charges …
Marilyn Mosby Announces Indictments of the Six Baltimore Police Officers Involved in the Freddie Gray ArrestMarilyn Mosby, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, announces indictments against the six Baltimore City Police Officers for their alleged role in the death of Freddie Gray. The State’s Attorney’s Office conducted an independent investigation into this matter upon receiving notice of the incident and presented the evidence to the Grand Jury, who returned the indictments this afternoon. “On May 1st our investigation revealed that we had enough probable cause to bring charges against the six officers,” stated Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State’s Attorney. Mosby further explained that as their investigation continued, additional information was discovered and as is often the case, during an ongoing investigation charges can and should be revised based on the evidence. “The Grand Jury, who also concluded there is sufficient evidence for probable cause, returned indictments on all counts presented to them.” Mosby said. The indictments include the following charges with the respective maximum penalties. Arraignment is scheduled for July 2, 2015. The charges with the respective maximum penalties are as follows: Officer Caesar R. Goodson, Jr.
Officer William G. Porter
Lt. Brian W. Rice
Officer Edward M. Nero
Officer Garrett E. Miller
Sgt. Alicia D. White
*Any sentence that does not constitute cruel & unusual punishment. <Source> |
It was originally thought that there was the possibility that the prosecutor over-charged the officers in an attempt to encourage the officers to turn on each other and testify for the prosecution.
Bottom line …
We should have faith in our elected officials to prosecute the law without fear or favor. This includes avoiding the unseemly display of racial or political advocacy and the promise of providing justice for one side or the other. While Mosby’s husband is a politician whose district is impacted by racial discord, it should be remembered that Mosby, as an licensed attorney, is actually an officer of the court and should act in an appropriate manner that respects the judicial system.
Mosby’s behavior, and that of Commissioner Anthony Batts, has been despicable as it appears that they do not support law enforcement and are aligned politically with the riotous crowd. It is also discomfiting that Mosby would seek a “gag order” on the defense’s attorneys after her blatant display of partisanship and her on-stage presence at a #Rally4Peace Concert given by Prince.
We still do not know how Freddie Gray died and why officers who had tangential contact with Gray during his arrest are being charged. Gray’s injuries are serious enough to demand an investigation and a finding of facts … especially since it seems unlikely that Gray could have done this to himself. So we wait and see. Hopefully in an atmosphere of calm and sensibility on all sides.
-- steve
“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words
“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw
“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”
“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS "The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius “A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell “Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar “Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS