Pubdate: Sat,  30 Nov 2002
Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI)
Copyright: 2002 The Traverse City Record-Eagle
Contact:  http://www.record-eagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336
Author: Boyd C. Baird
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n000/a232.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2097/a04.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n000/a231.html

LYNCH-MOB MENTALITY?

Has the pillorying of Judge Gilbert been the result of his "puffing on a 
joint," or his candid admission of it and cooperation with public 
officials? What if he had remained silent and waited for official 
prosecution? Who would be the complaining witness? Would cross-examination 
produce some embarrassment if not self-incriminatory statements from 
prosecutorial witnesses? How would a jury vote? There is no question but 
that his conduct has been an embarrassment to all of us who are members of 
the local legal profession, judges and lawyers alike. As victims of the 
offense all members of the local legal profession are disqualified from 
sitting in judgment of the case. Has the "trial by newspaper" honored our 
concept of due process or reflected justice and mercy, or lynch mob mentality?

Boyd C. Baird

Traverse City
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens