Author: Moskos

Hung Jury in Porter trial

Hung on all four counts. That is not what I expected. I expected acquittal on the major charges, and perhaps a hung jury on the minor charge of “misconduct.” But no conviction is still a big setback to the prosecution. What does this mean? Since I’m no legal expert, best to turn to those who…
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Maryland Pattern Jury Instructions

The jury, which is currently in deliberation, will be given this (or something very similar to this) to help them decide if Officer Porter is guilty of these charges: involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, misconduct, and second degree manslaughter. (thanks to a reader.]

Why the stops matter

These stops are confusing and the numbering system is never consistent, but they still matter. Here are some maps from WBAL: The summary from WBAL: Prosecutors contend Porter is criminally negligent for Gray’s death, because he didn’t call a medic when Gray requested one, and he didn’t buckle Gray into a seat belt at the…
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“When is failing to act a crime?”

Ian Duncan of the Sun explores the issue: David Harris … said American criminal laws are usually of the “thou shalt not” variety, rather than “thou shalt.” “We’re pretty stingy in this country and this culture with obligating people to do stuff,” Harris said. … Legal experts also said it’s difficult to find criminal cases…
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ShotSpotter

Anybody know if ShotSpotter is good? From an NYPD press release: This is one of more than 30 firearms that have been recovered since the inception of the ShotSpotter program, back in March of this year. Three guns a month doesn’t seem like so many. But then to get 30 guns off the streets, back…
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“There is no such crime as ‘homicide by no seat belt'”

“Mosby is getting her rear end kicked in court. Not by a brilliant defense strategy, but by the facts. Facts that she could have discovered had she conducted herself professionally and ethically.” So saysPage Croyder, who retired in 2008 after 21 years with the State’s Attorney’s Office. My last post highlighted her insightful blog. In…
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“A small glimpse into the lazy, egotistical, dysfunctional world of key players in criminal justice system”

Page Croyder spent two decades with the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office. A few weeks ago I discovered her blog (thanks to a comment). The prosecutor’s office — the State’s Attorney in Maryland — and the court system in general is a big Skinner box of unknown for most people. Croyder offers insight. People get arrested…
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Longo testifies it’s OK to violate the rules, if you can defend your actions

I don’t personally remember Timothy Longo, but I do remember his name. Was he in the E&T chain of command in 2000? Londo testified in Porter’s trial today. Longo said that the van driver, Goodson: was ultimately responsible for Gray’s care, and that Porter had notified a supervisor that Gray needed help. He said Goodson…
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“Put yourself in William Porter’s shoes”

Great column by Tricia Bishop, if you still have free Sun articles in the bank (you could always subscribe).