brian nichols
Fine points of the law ("due process of law" version)
Rarely has a murder spree been captured in more reliable video detail than was Brian Nichols's four-killing (including his judge) escape from an Atlanta courthouse in 2005. But "everybody knows" he still has to be actually "tried and convicted" before he can be punished. Here's what Brian's making taxpayers shell out: at least $5m for prosecution and defense lawyers, calling up to 1,000 or so witnesses in a trial expected to last from now until Christmas, plus incidentals like juror and overtime-security expenses. Damn, we're civilized! Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rarely has a murder spree been captured in more reliable video detail than was Brian Nichols's four-killing (including his judge) escape from an Atlanta courthouse in 2005. But "everybody knows" he still has to be actually "tried and convicted" before he can be punished. Here's what Brian's making taxpayers shell out: at least $5m for prosecution and defense lawyers, calling up to 1,000 or so witnesses in a trial expected to last from now until Christmas, plus incidentals like juror and overtime-security expenses. Damn, we're civilized! Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Comments
1000 witnesses and a videotape and we still have to pay just for his trial. Not to mention the amount of dough shelled out if he gets the death penalty.
Posted by KW in Dallas, TX on 09/23/08 at 12:15 PM
Of course we need a trial. It may have been warranted-- self-defense, for example. He feared the court would take away his freedom, so he defended himself.
Plus those 1,000 witnesses may be circumstantial.
Plus those 1,000 witnesses may be circumstantial.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 09/23/08 at 12:33 PM
kingmoney: I didn't read the article - but - if he was ESCAPING from custody that's his own retarded fault. He never would have had to defend himself (if that's the case) if he had not tried to escape.
Posted by Jules in Connecticut on 09/23/08 at 01:03 PM
Too bad the deputies weren't forced to shoot him dead during his escape. Save money and take out the trash at the same time.
Posted by BikerPuppy on 09/23/08 at 01:13 PM
A) This poor man is just an unfortunate victim of his upbringing. It's our fault that he was allowed to slip through the cracks.
B) REF: electing lawyers to legislative positions.
B) REF: electing lawyers to legislative positions.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/23/08 at 01:51 PM
You got it in one, Kenosha!
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/24/08 at 12:48 AM
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