Until that technology evolves, the decision needs to be made whether to remove more discretion from police considering pursuit.
Mary Moriarty
Mary Moriarty was a public defender for 30 years, most recently for Hennepin County. She welcomes readers' responses to mmoriarty@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inMetro
Chauvin’s sentencing not surprising, but there were unexpected, troubling moments
Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Derek Chauvin to 270 months in prison for the murder of George Floyd, citing aggravating factors of abuse of position of trust and infliction of particular cruelty.
Posted inMetro
Chauvin likely to do significant prison time
In my opinion, Cahill’s memo on the aggravating factors is a clear signal that the judge will depart upward.
Posted inOpinion
The bail system: a look at how it works in Minnesota
Money bail favors the wealthy, as well as serving to extract large amounts of non-refundable premiums from poor people.
Posted inMetro
Chauvin prosecution: Will it be a model or aberration?
The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd was a well-tried case, with a compelling case centered on the testimony of the community members and the life of Floyd.
Posted inMetro
The latest: from aggravating factors to federal indictments
Four former Minneapolis police officers have been indicted by a federal grand jury for violating George Floyd’s constitutional rights, while the state trial for the three other officers has been continued to March 2022.
Posted inNews
A new trial for Chauvin is not likely to be granted—Here’s why
Derek Chauvin’s defense has filed a motion for a new trial, citing juror misconduct, but Judge Peter Cahill is unlikely to grant the motion due to lack of specific evidence.
Posted inNational, News
Withheld video of North Carolina police shooting leaves public in the dark
If ever there was a situation where release of video was necessary to advance a compelling public interest, this is it.
Posted inMetro
Chauvin conviction: the charges and sentencing considerations
Let’s break down the charges, the process going forward, and Derek Chauvin’s likely sentence.
Posted inMetro
Observations from a long, consequential trial
The Derek Chauvin verdict is significant because it represents a rare instance of accountability in the criminal legal system for White officers who kill Black men.
Posted inMetro
Morries Hall and the right not to incriminate yourself (Fifth Amendment)
Morries Hall, a potential witness in the Derek Chauvin trial, may not testify due to his Fifth Amendment rights, as he could potentially be prosecuted for drug-related charges.
Posted inMetro
Chauvin defense falls back on racist stereotypes
The defense cross-examination strategy seemed designed to goad Donald Williams into admitting he was angry. So what if he was?
Posted inMetro
Witness lists, cross-examinations, and ‘The Wire’
The state will call their first witness in the Chauvin case, with the order of witnesses being strategic and the defense being given notice of potential witnesses one week before trial.
Posted inMetro
The start of the Chauvin trial: jury instructions, opening arguments
What to expect from the opening day of the Derek Chauvin trial.
Posted inFeatured, Metro, News
More must be done to ensure diverse juries in Hennepin County
Although they are aware that Hennepin’s Black population is underrepresented in the jury pool, they have done no research on why that might be the case.
Posted inMetro, National, News
Juror #76: Black juror’s rejection reveals flaws in system
What the courts have never acknowledged is that you can’t easily separate race from lived experience.
Posted inFeatured, Metro, News
Chauvin jury to weigh two sets of ‘facts’
How the legislature chooses to define each crime is another reason why second-guessing the verdict can be unfair.
Posted inMetro, News
Examination of the Batson challenge
Those who were watching the Derek Chauvin jury selection this week heard the legal term ‘Baston,’ probably for the first time.