Do you believe the law and justice go hand in hand? If so, get your drink of choice, sit down, and prepared to be shell-shocked. Unquestionably the most stunning piece I have read in recent memory:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/09/07/090907fa_fact_grann?currentPage=all
("Trial by Fire," by David Grann)
I am completely numb after reading it. My friend Samantha S. says, "the law is not about 'justice'--it is about application of rules. It isn't perfect, but it is all we have."
Follow-up here. From the New Yorker's comments section: "The most telling irony... what the State of Texas listed as the cause of death for Cameron Todd Willingham: homicide. One fact they absolutely got right."
More here on public defenders, Gideon, and access to justice.
Bonus: how much does it cost to execute someone? Answer is here.
"And if an epitaph be my story, I'd have a short one ready for my own: I had a lover's quarrel with the world." -- Robert Frost
No comments:
Post a Comment