Around the Web

1) SCOTUS has everybody under the sun commenting on the federal supreme court's decision making the federal government able to illegalize the sale of marijuana even if it has no real connection to interstate commerce (yeah, I remember the grain case - thought it was wrong too). Tom comments here and Mike here.

2) A PD's office doing away with guilty pleas at arraignment. We don't have this issue in Virginia because the first court appearance (usually within 48 hours) is only to make certain the defendant knows his charge and to determine what he's going to do about an attorney. I really don't understand why States (and the feds) have pleas at that early stage.

3) Yep, if your client wants you to file that useless appeal you have to file it. I know he pled guilty. I know he signed away his right to appeal. I know that the judge's sentence was entirely legal. I also know (as does every criminal defense attorney) that you file that appeal.

4) The right to abortion apparently does not protect the person who ends the existence of the unborn, even if the mother asks him to do it (I guess there must be a doctor exemption).

5) Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over [in ever failing attempts to stop repeat DUI drivers] and expecting a different result.

6) There's nothing illegal about running away from your family so long as you don't lie to the police.

7) Remember, in Virginia you cannot sing religious songs too loudly.

8) Imagine being the guy who failed the bar by 3 points and then getting a letter telling you that they guesstimated your score on one section of the exam (because your answer was stolen).

9) Don't give your college professor your social security number unless you want him to ruin your credit.

10) You kill someone. You head for the border (probably a smart move). You bring along the bloody chain saw (not so smart). You cross at a border post (Darwin award time).

11) It's harder to prove a white collar crime than your basic shoplifting case.

12) Committing crimes bad. Committing crimes with mandatory minimum sentences particularly bad.

13) Is it kidnapping if it's consensual?

14) Want fame? Hire a prostitute in Oakland.

15) More comment from an appellate judge: "Judges are a lot like dogs - usually friendly and mostly attentive - but beware when they travel in packs. "

16) Banishment's back!

17) And it's always interesting to look at the most over the top prosecution website. However, if memory serves me, it seems to have toned down a little.