Lynne Stewart Faces Sentencing
Lynne Stewart is a long-time civil rights lawyer. She represented Omar Abdel Rahman, the one-eyed sheik who is serving a life sentence for a plot to blow up New York City landmarks. Stewart, herself, is being sentenced today for "blatantly and repeatedly" violating prison regulations by helping her client communicate with his followers.
Update: Quick update on civil rights lawyer Lynne Stewart. She's been sentenced to 28 months in prison. Prosecutors had wanted 30 years.
Comments: 30 years? 30 YEARS? For What? Did they prove she consciously was plotting against the U.S. Government? If they did, perhaps 30 years is appropriate.
However, if they did not, 30 years is a travesty of justice. 30 years for violating prison regulations. What's next, five years for jaywalking, and ten for littering?
Listen, it is time, past time, for common sense to enter our legal system. This is not about making some stud government prosecutors carreer. This is about a woman's life, and her ability to earn a living.
I hope the judge in this case realizes that a defense attorney often sympathizes so intently with their client, that they can make an error in judgement. She has shown contrition. Fine her. Give her suspended jail time if need be. But please, do not lock her up and throw away the key.
Do the decent thing.
Update: Quick update on civil rights lawyer Lynne Stewart. She's been sentenced to 28 months in prison. Prosecutors had wanted 30 years.
Comments: 30 years? 30 YEARS? For What? Did they prove she consciously was plotting against the U.S. Government? If they did, perhaps 30 years is appropriate.
However, if they did not, 30 years is a travesty of justice. 30 years for violating prison regulations. What's next, five years for jaywalking, and ten for littering?
Listen, it is time, past time, for common sense to enter our legal system. This is not about making some stud government prosecutors carreer. This is about a woman's life, and her ability to earn a living.
I hope the judge in this case realizes that a defense attorney often sympathizes so intently with their client, that they can make an error in judgement. She has shown contrition. Fine her. Give her suspended jail time if need be. But please, do not lock her up and throw away the key.
Do the decent thing.
posted by The Last Word | 5:55 PM
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