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Showing posts with label justice. Show all posts

Showing posts with label justice. Show all posts

And In London, Cameron Cracks Down

I like the strong, unequivocal approach that British Prime Minister David Cameron is taking as he goes after the gangs of hooligans who are trying to take over the streets of London. Thousands have been arrested so far and Cameron promises that more will be rounded up.
Cameron is zeroing in on what he calls a "moral crisis" in Britain.
The Prime Minister has declared: “Some of the worst aspects of human nature have been tolerated, indulged — sometimes even incentivized — by a state and its agencies that in parts have become literally demoralized." He blames “children without fathers; schools without discipline; reward without effort; crime without punishment; rights without responsibilities; communities without control."
Sound familiar?

Bravo To Mayor Nutter For His Words, Actions

As many of you know, I was out of town for quite some time and did not have a chance to be here for much of what led up to the Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's stirring speech to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church on August 7. In fact, I was still out of town when this speech was delivered.
But I've since had a chance to watch and listen to the full half-hour-plus of the Mayor's remarks and I have to say that I strongly support everything he said. I like the way that he spoke directly, forcefully, and from the heart. So, I've included a major video segment of his remarks here so that you might savor it.
In my mind (and I hope the Mayor takes no offense when I say this) Nutter came across almost as Christieesque. At first blush it seemed as if he took a page from the Big Guy across the river.
But, in truth I feel the Mayor was totally himself. Uniquely Nutter. These were his words spoken with true grit. And that made me feel good.
I'm glad the Mayor got this off his chest. I'm pleased that he spoke up. He ought to continue to speak bluntly and act firmly.
I myself made it a special point to go into Center City this past weekend -- On Friday (for lunch) and again on Saturday and Sunday (for dinner). On two of the three days I was joined by my wife, my children and others.
We all wanted to send a good, clear, strong message: We support the new city curfew and the vigilant enforcement of the law and we're not going to let anyone take the city away from us; we're not going to let anyone push us off the streets of a great, vibrant city; we're not going to be intimidated by a bunch of young punks. And we're not going to settle for lame excuses for lawlessness.
We also wanted to patronize Center City merchants during this critical time and make sure that the commerce and well-being of the city went on without interruption.
We found the streets of Center City Philadelphia to be bright, well-protected and alive with shoppers, diners and responsible residents and citizens.
We invite you to join them -- and us -- in Center City!

Philly's Mann Music Center Robbed

Fox 29 in Philly is reporting that armed robbers have hit the Mann Music Center in Fairmount Park. The Mann is the city's premier summer music venue and plays host to the world's finest classical musicians as well as the Philadelphia Orchestra and more mainstream music attractions.
Fox repoorts that two suspects held up the Mann Center today, and may have made off with a large amount of cash -- as much as $100,000.
Philadelphia police have confirmed the incident to Fox 29 at 51st & Parkside Aves.
In recent years there have been complaints about insufficient police protection at the Mann and some patrons have complained about a lack of well-lit parking and assistance in exiting the the Mann grounds via automobile after dark.
This summer, center-city Philadelphia has also been plagued by flash mob attacks.

Casey Anthony: The 'Tattooed Medea Of Orlando'

Casey Anthony is a monster.
And everyone knows it except 12 confused citizens of Florida and a few criminal-defense attorneys looking to get on CNN - even if the justice system has denied her the official title of child killer.
As surely as O.J. Simpson plunged a knife into his ex-wife, Caylee Marie's mother guaranteed she wasn't going to see her 3rd birthday. The evidence, though circumstantial, was powerful. The fact that the jury failed to connect the logical dots is an indictment of our system.
But before Casey Anthony became the tattooed Medea of Orlando
Click here to read the rest of Christine Flowers' column from the Philadelphia Daily News.

The REAL Story Behind The Casey Anthony Verdict

What the hell happened?
That's what everybody seems to be asking on the heels of the Casey Anthony verdict.
Did it startle you? Were you surprised?
I wasn't. I really wasn't stunned in the least. Though I was disappointed.
In case you've been living in a cave, you now know that Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murder and nearly all other counts. The only thing she was found guilty of was giving false information to law enforcement authorities.Considering the time she's already spent in jail, she's liable to spend little or no additional time behind bars. She's sprung.
How could this be.
Well, we all now about reasonable doubt. The jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution. Simply put, at least one member of the jury had serious doubts about Anthony's guilt.
But there's more. It's what I call the "show trial sell-out."
To begin with, juries these days are incredibly wimpy. We now live in a gray world where there are no moral absolutes -- no rights and wrongs -- and we're constantly preached to (primarily by liberals and other bed-wetters) about how we should not stand in judgment of others. And there's a reluctance by almost everybody to take responsibility for anything. So, no one wants to be the person who finally stands up and says: "Yes, this person is guilty and should be punished."
Then too, the jury selection process has become so mired in regulation and courtroom rules that it's become an elaborate game -- a game called "How Can We Stack The Jury?"
All of these things are magnified during a Big Time Show Trial. And all of these "wimp factors" achieve greater significance and greater intensity.
In this "scared-of-my-shadow" atmosphere the slightest doubt springs the defendant. With the hot glare of Big Media -- with the whole world watching -- jurors collapse. They can't take the heat.
Witness the O. J. Simspon and Robert Blake verdicts, to name a couple.
Oh sure, we'll throw the book at Leona Helmsley or Martha Stewart -- that's pure resentment, envy and class warfare (another leftist gift to the world).
But it seems we're all too happy to let some low down good-for-nothing get away with murder.
That's [almost] the whole picture. And it's not pretty. And we'd damned well better do something about it.
I'm afraid that's the real story behind the Casey Anthony verdict and I fear we're all complicit in it.
Oh, this too: A real honest-to-goodness murder trial ain't no soap opera. It ain't no show, folks. It's not there for your entertainment. Get a life, OK?

People Are Fearful; The Flash Mobs Must End!

Here are the results thus far of an informal Philadelphia Inquirer poll on the flash mob attacks in the city. It's clear that people are worried and concerned. They want action. Click here to vote in the poll. Mob attacks: How concerned are you?
1: No concern at all
	642 (4.1%)
2. Somewhat concerned
	1715 (11.0%)
3. Very concerned
	13277 (84.9%)
Total votes = 15634

Former Illinos Governor Guilty On 17 Counts

Ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was found guilty Monday on 17 counts. Paired with a conviction on lying to the FBI from his first trial, he faces up to 305 years in prison, though his sentence will likely be much shorter. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five to 20 years.
Click here for more.

Philly Flash Mob Breaks Woman's Leg

Another day, another flash mob.
The memories of a flash mob looting of a nearby department store were still fresh when a mob of young people attacked again near the center of Philadelphia's downtown area Saturday.
This time the young thugs were after pedestrians.
They shouted "run, run" and then they swarmed, breaking someone's leg and injuring others.
Yes, these mobs have hit other cities as well: Chicago and Washington to name a couple.
But I'm talking about Philly now because this is what I'm most familiar with and most concerned about.
Let's be clear on this: The flash mob attacks must end if the city is to have any future whatsoever. Forget "Philly Rising." Philly ain't goin nowhere but down if these hooligans are allowed to continue rampaging through city streets.
And as Mayor Michael Nutter seeks re-election, he'd better get on the case, pronto lest he find an newly-emerged independent candidate snapping at his heels.
Mature, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens are not amused -- not one bit.
Here's an excerpt from this morning's Philadelphia Daily News:

A woman's leg was broken and several other people were injured Saturday night when a large group of teens accosted pedestrians in Spring Garden, police and witnesses said.
Philadelphia police responded to two reports of pedestrians being assaulted by a large group of young people along Broad Street about 9:30 p.m.
One of those reports came from Emily Guendelsberger, 27, city editor for local arts and entertainment content for the Onion, the satirical newspaper and website. She was walking with seven friends on Green Street near Broad when they were accosted, she said. Guendelsberger, who remained hospitalized with a broken leg yesterday, declined to comment further.
A friend who was with her at the time, Daily News staff writer Molly Eichel, said that they were walking down Green Street when a group of teens was walking down Broad. "We heard kids yell, 'Run, run,' " Eichel said. "Some kid just came out of nowhere and punched my friend Charlie in the face."
Eichel said that when her group tried to run, about 20 teens chased them down the street. "They were kicking kids down and punching them when they were down," she said.

Click here for more on this story.

Christie Files 15 Judicial Nominations

Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Christie filed the following judicial nominations with the State Senate. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

NOMINATIONS

SUPERIOR COURT

Nominate for reappointment Peter A. Buchsbaum (Stockton, Hunterdon)

Nominate for reappointment Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina (Barrington, Camden)

Nominate for reappointment Richard F. Freid (North Haledon, Passaic)

Nominate for reappointment Margaret M. Hayden (West Orange, Essex)

Nominate for reappointment Frederic S. Kessler (Cranford, Union)

Nominate for appointment Melanie Donohue Appleby (Toms River, Ocean)

Nominate for appointment Madelin F. Einbinder (Toms River, Ocean)

Nominate for appointment Randal C. Chiocca (Wayne, Passaic)

Nominate for appointment Adam E. Jacobs (Wayne, Passaic)

Nominate for appointment Lawrence M. Maron (Wayne, Passaic)

Nominate for appointment Daniel J. Yablonsky (North Haledon, Passaic)

Nominate for appointment Regina Caulfield (Berkeley Heights, Union)

Nominate for appointment Mark P. Ciarrocca (Westfield, Union)

Nominate for appointment Kathi F. Fiamingo (Kenilworth, Union)

PASCACK JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT

Nominate for appointment Harry Norton (Ramsey, Bergen)

Last week, Governor Christie also filed one nomination with the State Senate. The Governor’s nomination is subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

Capital City Redevelopment Corporation

Nominate for appointment the Honorable Peter A. Inverso (Hamilton, Mercer)

PMC: Let's Improve PA. Judicial Discipline System

Explaining that “changes are needed to ensure the Pennsylvania Judicial Discipline System is empowered to act – and does act – first and foremost to protect the public,” Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) has released its Report and Recommendations for Improving the Pennsylvania Judicial Discipline System.

Maintaining public confidence in the courts requires certainty that there is a strong judicial discipline system to investigate and punish judicial misconduct. But as PMC Deputy Director Shira J. Goodman noted, “In the wake of the Luzerne County scandal, Pennsylvanians are not sure this is the case. Steps must be taken to restore public trust in the System.”

The recommendations include enhancing the accountability, transparency, and independence of the Judicial Discipline System; improving service to those who complain about judicial conduct; and sufficiently funding the System. Goodman explained, “PMC focused on how to strengthen the Judicial Discipline System and enable it to better serve the public. We understand this will take resources in a time of tight budgets, but Pennsylvanians want a Judicial Discipline System that will, above all, operate in a way that protects the public from judicial misconduct.”

Ideally, the Judicial Discipline System would be used rarely because judges would not engage in questionable conduct. To the extent the System must be used, PMC hopes the suggestions for improving it will be considered and adopted.

PMC’s Report on the Pennsylvania Judicial Discipline System may be found here.

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes the reform of Pennsylvania’s judicial system. www.pmconline.org.

NJ State Senator Praise Confirmation Of Patterson

New Jersey state senators have heartily praised the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation of Anne Patterson for a seat on the New Jersey State Supreme Court. Patterson is Governor Chris Christie's first nominee to the high court.

Here's a roundup from leading state senators.

Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s confirmation hearing for Anne Patterson, nominated by Governor Christie to the New Jersey Supreme Court:

"Anne Patterson is more than qualified to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court. She has a rock-solid reputation as one of the brightest legal minds in our state and is highly respected by her peers in the legal community.

" Today's confirmation hearing was a year in the making, but the delay cannot deter from the significance of the moment. Ms. Patterson's appointment to the court would mean that for the first time in New Jersey history, we would have a majority of women on the State Supreme Court. New Jersey would become only the fifth State in the nation to have such a balance.

"Because of Ms. Patterson's education, experience and reputation, I am optimistic she will be confirmed by the full Senate and be the next member of New Jersey's Supreme Court."

Senator Gerald Cardinale, the senior Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the release of Anne Patterson from the committee:

“Anne Patterson has unshakable credentials as a legal scholar with high ethical standards and a demonstrable judicial deportment. I am pleased that her conformation hearing has finally been held and look forward to voting for her conformation in the full Senate.”

Senator Beck's Statement on Today's Confirmation Hearing for Anne Patterson

Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth/Mercer) issued the following statement after Anne Patterson's nomination to fill a vacant seat on the New Jersey Supreme Court was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"It has been more than a year since Anne Patterson was nominated by Governor Christie," said Beck, "and it is time that she was heard. In her interview in front of the Judiciary Committee today, I found her to be articulate, intelligent and professional. I believe she will make an excellent addition to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Her background in the New Jersey Attorney General's office under Governor Christie Whitman, as well as the accolades she has earned from her peers in the legal profession, makes her well suited for the bench."

Anne Patterson will have to be confirmed by the State Senate in order to take the bench. The next voting session is scheduled for Thursday, June 9th. "I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this exceptionally well qualified individual, and in so doing make history by confirming a female majority to this state's highest court."

Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, offered the following reaction to today's confirmation hearing for Anne Patterson to be an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court:

"Ms. Patterson said something today that I have never heard from a nominee to our state's highest court- that she would bring humility to the job. She is to be commended for that promise, as the decisions she will make as an Associate Justice have very real consequences for the people of New Jersey."

"Anne Patterson showed today not only that she is qualified to be a jurist, but that New Jersey needs her on the Supreme Court. Her testimony and answers to the Committee's questions were thoughtful, ethical, and demonstrated a piercing intellect."

"The Majority's failure to consider her nomination last year was wrong and unprecedented, and ultimately delayed confirmation of an exceedingly qualified nominee. I am, however, pleased that these confirmation proceedings have finally arrived, and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting yes on her nomination."

Committee Approves Christie Supreme Court Nominee

Today, Governor Chris Christie issued the following statement regarding the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of Anne Patterson to be an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court:

“I want to thank the Judiciary Committee and Chairman Scutari for their support of an outstanding candidate for our state Supreme Court. In Anne Patterson, we have a principled and experienced attorney of the highest character and professionalism joining the Court if confirmed by the full Senate. From the hearing today and since the time of her nomination, the people of New Jersey have learned that Anne possesses all the attributes I will demand of any nomination I make to the Supreme Court, including integrity, compassion and, above all, the necessary credentials and background to serve on our state’s highest court.”

NJ Supreme Court Decision Is Bogus, Arrogant

Hot Air has joined many other publications and web sites in denouncing the controversial New Jersey Supreme Court decision that orders the state to continue throwing money at so-called "poor" school districts even though billions of dollars of spending (estimated at $37 billion and counting) has failed to improve grades and test scores for students in these districts.
Not only is the decision dumb beyond belief but in fact, this sweeping decision has absolutely no credibility.
Here's an excerpt from the article:

Meanwhile, the state of New Jersey simply can’t afford this decision. Complying with earlier Abbott court rulings cost New Jersey taxpayers more than $37 billion between 1998 and 2008 alone, according to a Federalist Society white paper.
The decision is fishy for another reason, as well. The Court’s decision came on the strength of a swing vote of a justice temporarily assigned to the Court with neither the governor’s approval nor the advice and consent of the state senate.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

NJ School Funding Ruling: Outrageous Imposition

As you can see by the reaction of the Governor and many state lesgialtors, the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision reiterating the imposition of the school funding formula for the state's so-called "Abbott" (allegedly "poorer") school districts has touched off a firestorm.
New Jersey has faced a continued financial crisis.
The state is not undertaxed.
It's not a revenue problem that the state faces.
It's a tax problem.
New Jersey residents are taxed too much.
And the highest burden on the already highest-in-the-nation New Jersey property taxes is the cost of education -- funding local school districts.
It's the biggest chunk of local towns' skyrocketing property taxes and homeowner's feel the pain day after day.
Governor Chris Christie has courageously taken on this battle.
He has been fearless and steadfast in his efforts to rein in "education" costs that are draining revenues: too many administrators with too many Big Fat Paychecks; the huge burden of teacher and public employee health benefits and pensions; huge sick and vacation day "jackpot" payouts upon retirement; too many school districts with overlapping spending and wasteful practices. The list goes on and on.
The last thing the Governor and other common-sense leaders needed at this time was the imposition of this latest Supreme Court decision.
For a long time, the New Jersey Supreme Court has acted in an imperious and overbearing manner. The Supreme Court has taken an "our way or the highway" approach to its judicial responsibility. And the Court has turned a deaf ear to the stark realities that face the state -- the real problems that taxpayers and elected officials face day-to-day.
The Court seems to see itself not as a co-equal branch of the state government but rather as a super-authority (an almost regal entity) above and beyond the people, the elected leaders or any other agency, bureau or body in the state.
Throughout these years of unbridled court activism, New Jerseyans have been far too complacent. Sweeping decisions such as the Mt. Laurel decision and the Abbott decision have come and gone and the people have accepted their consequences (and their own fate) in a largely docile manner.
Part of this is understandable.
A lot of people are uniformed.
The state has no statewide commercial TV station and no statewide newspaper. And New York and Philadelphia media outlets give short shrift to New Jersey.
But these factors can only excuse a finite amount of apathy.
And now the complacency must end.
The people must take up the mantle of Christie and like-minded legislators.
And this means that the Governor must be given a legislature that will enact spending and/or court reform and also allow Christie to make siginifant changes in the makeup of the hgh court as those opportunities present themselves.
Major change must occur -- even if it takes a constitutional amendment to make it happen.
The statewide legislative elections are coming up this November.
The fiscal crisis and the court must be front and center.
ANY legislator (Republican or Democrat) who supports the policies of this court (and the Abbott funding approach in particular) should be thrown out of office.
Those who favor an activist court that legislates from the bench should be removed.
New Jersey must change its ways. That means a changed legislature and a changed legislative leadership.
The people still have the power -- IF they choose to exercise it.

Kean: NJ High Court Cannot Legislate From Bench

New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R- Union) issued the following statement in response to the New Jersey Supreme Court's ruling ordering the state to spend $500 million on the 31 former Abbott school districts:

"The unelected justices of the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a ruling today that created law from the bench despite having no constitutional authority to do so. In so doing, they have thumbed their noses at the residents of the state who elected a Governor and a Legislature to make these policy decisions as is prescribed by the state constitution."

"The Court is wrong. A thorough and efficient system of education is not solely contingent on dollars, but requires significant reforms to make those dollars work better for students: rewarding excellent teachers for merit rather than longevity, reforming tenure to more easily and quickly remove ineffective educators from the classroom, and capping superintendent salaries to rein in administrative costs. Quality education is about holding the system accountable for student outcomes, and we should not turn to spending as a remedy until accountability measures are put in place."

"The Court's ruling fails disadvantaged students by continuing a decades-old legal theory that, since its inception, has not measurably improved the poor graduation rates and test scores of chronically failing school districts."

"Republicans have been clear: we will not raise taxes on the most highly taxed people in America to pay for another wrongheaded decision by the Supreme Court. The state's tax burden has, according to census figures released today, cost our state another 190, 000 residents in 2009. The Legislative Majority needs to put its cards on the table and come forward with ideas on how to address this ruling."

Christie: High Court Decision 'All That's Wrong' In NJ

Today's arrogant, outrageous and irresponsible school funding decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court warrants the strongest possible response from every citizen of the state and that response -- a response of nothing less than outrage -- must emanate from the top.
Fittingly, Governor Chris Christie has set the proper tone in responding with appropriate dismay.
The Governor is absolutely correct: The Court has no business telling the State Legislature and the Governor how they should spend the taxpayer's money. The Court has vastly overstepped its bounds. The Justices of this contemptuous Court are legislating from the bench.
If this is the way they wish to conduct themselves, the majority Justices should get the hell off the court and run for office -- run for legislative posts or whatever.
The time has come for the people of the state to rise up and demand reform so that EVERY branch of government (including this heretofore imperious court) will be accountable to the people.
The Governor's statement follows:

FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING STATEMENT:

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie:

Today’s ruling by the State Supreme Court is disappointing, but not unexpected.

There are several reasons why I believe this decision represents everything that’s wrong with how Trenton has historically operated and everything that I am here fighting to change.

First, as a fundamental principle, I do not believe that it is the role of the State Supreme Court to determine what programs the State should and should not be funding, and to what amount.

The Court should not be dictating how taxpayer dollars are spent and prioritizing certain programs over others. The Supreme Court is not the Legislature; it should not dictate policy, it should not be in the business of discussing specific taxes to be raised and it should not have any business deciding how tax dollars are spent. A number of the members of the current Supreme Court agreed with that very position in today’s decision.

Those responsible for making decisions regarding how money is raised through taxes and how it is spent by government are those elected by the people and ultimately held accountable by the people.

Secondly, I believe the Court’s decision is based on a failed legal and educational theory that incorrectly reasons the key to establishing a thorough and efficient system of education is to throw more money at failing schools.

Let me be clear, I do believe funding education is critically important to New Jersey’s future. Even before today’s Court decision, we increased education aid by $250 million to every school district in this year’s proposed budget.

But, we must also acknowledge that money does not equal quality results. And there is now nearly 30 years of evidence that just throwing money at the problem is not the answer.

We should be getting better results with the taxpayer money we already spend and we aren’t which means changing the educational system goes beyond dollars and cents.

However, as Governor of New Jersey, I realize that regardless of my personal beliefs, I must comply with the New Jersey Constitution as interpreted by the New Jersey Supreme Court. In February, I submitted my budget to the Legislature for review and consideration. That is my constitutional obligation. Now the legislature has until June 30th to fulfill its constitutional obligation to pass a final budget.

In the light of the court’s ruling, it is now up to the Legislature to determine how the State is best able to fund the additional $500 million in aid to the Abbott districts specifically ordered in footnote 23 by the Court’s majority while also meeting the State’s other funding priorities as I proposed them. I have complete confidence that the Legislature understands its unique constitutional obligation to send a balance budget to me by June 30th. I am also confident that the Legislature understands its independent constitutional obligation to comply with the Supreme Court’s order in whatever budget they send to me for my consideration by the June 30th deadline.

I fully expect the Legislature will send me in a timely manner for my review and consideration a constitutionally balanced budget that includes how the Court’s order will be met.

My principles remain the same. New Jersey has some of the highest taxes in America. New Jerseyans are already incredibly overtaxed. Therefore, as I have repeatedly stated, I do not believe raising taxes is the answer. That has not changed.

I stand ready to execute my constitutional duties and consider what the Legislature submits as its final budget to me by June 30th.

Sean Patrick Griffin: Successful Author And Rising Star

My friend and colleague Sean Patrick Griffin, Ph.D., has been Associate Professor in Criminal Justice at Penn State Abington since 2003 and he's just published a new book, Gaming The Game: The Story Behind The NBA Betting Scandal And The Man Who Made It Happen.
Dr. Griffin was Assistant Professor of Sociology at Clemson University (South Carolina) from 2000-03. His research areas are organized crime, white-collar crime, labor racketeering, corruption, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and various aspects of policing.
Dr. Griffin is also the author of two books on African-American organized crime, including Black Brothers Inc., The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia (Milo, 2005/07). Black Entertainment Television (BET) based an episode of its popular "American Gangster" series on Black Brothers, Inc., and the book has been optioned to be made into at least one motion picture by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions for Warner Brothers Studios. Professor Griffin is a consultant on the film(s).
A strong and outspoken advocate of public scholarship, he has developed and carried out coursework regarding securities fraud and enforcement for audiences of professionals (i.e., attorneys and accountants), and is well into the research and writing of a book on stock fraud, expected to be completed in 2012.
Dr. Griffin commonly lends his expertise to an assortment of entities and individuals, including but not limited to: local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies (especially in re: organized crime, extortion, narcotics trafficking, tax evasion, and money laundering,); regulatory agencies (especially in re: gaming and stock fraud); social service agencies (especially in re: policing and violence against women); and print, radio, and television outlets throughout the U.S. (primarily in re: organized crime, white-collar crime, and related topics).
This amiable, dedicated and accomplished Professor has conducted research in the Netherlands on numerous occasions, focusing on such issues as the international trade in women, transnational organized crime, vice laws and enforcement, and the impact of immigration on the Dutch criminal justice system. He has appeared as an invited panelist for several forums on public policy, is a frequent guest on various local and national radio and television programs, and has been interviewed/featured extensively in print media.
A former Philadelphia Police Officer, Dr. Griffin resides in the city's suburbs with his wife and two children.
I congratulate him on his insight, his writings, his numerous successes and his many accomplishments.
I'm proud to know Sean Griffin and to call him a friend and colleague.

Christie Repeals Statutory Early Release Parole

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wasted no time yesterday in signing the bill repealing the statutory early release parole program, a law that the Administration had sought to have rolled back 10 months ago on the prediction that it would put public safety at risk. With the Governor’s signature, release of another four prisoners scheduled for today was stopped; fourteen were scheduled for release tomorrow.

“From a public policy and public safety point of view, the statutory early release law was a disaster,” Governor Christie said. “Repeal should have happened 10 months ago, when we predicted and warned of the tragic circumstances that would follow if this law remained in effect. Nonetheless, I’m relieved and grateful that the legislature finally acted to repeal this failed law. Our communities and the safety of our citizens must get first consideration, and repeal of this law accomplishes that.”

In recent months, two inmates – both of whom had previously been denied parole while serving their prison terms – were charged with murder after being released under the mandatory early release law. Other inmates gaining early release have been involved in violent crimes, including one individual who robbed and beat a woman so badly police had difficulty identifying the victim. That prisoner had twice been denied parole while serving his sentence.

The bill passed by the Assembly yesterday and previously by the Senate includes another provision added by Governor Christie in a conditional veto issued on March 30. The conditional veto returns discretion to the parole board, where it belongs, for determining parole eligibility. Prior to the Governor’s action, a mandatory 3-year parole review for all inmates was imposed on the Parole Board – even for those inmates who made no efforts toward rehabilitation.

“These are decisions that belong not with lawmakers but with professionals who have taken on this responsibility successfully for decades,” Governor Christie said.

Sayde Ladov Winning Endorsements For CP Judge

Sayde Ladov is running for Common Pleas Court Judge in Philadelphia in the May 17 primary election and we know of no finer candidate for the position. None.
But don't take our word for it. Look at the endorsements that Sayde has piled up already:

Fraternal Order of Police

Sayde is proud to announce that she has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
The FOP is the labor union for Police Officers in the City of Philadelphia. The Fraternal Order of Police represents 14,600 Active and Retired officers of the Philadelphia Police and Sheriffs’ Department. They protect promote and improve the working conditions, legal rights, salary compensation, pensions & benefits of Philadelphia police officers.

Philadelphia Inquirer

Recognizing her broad experience and her service as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Philadelphia Inquirer has endorsed Sayde's candidacy.

Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity

Sayde has also received the endorsement of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia.
This influential group of ministers has a mission to enhance the welfare of poor and oppressed people in the African American community wherever they may reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general and in the city of Philadelphia and vicinity in particular. The Black Clergy promotes equality, justice, brotherhood, community betterment, black awareness, jobs, better housing, education and Christian Principles.

Liberty City Democratic Club

Sayde is honored to have been endorsed by the Liberty City Democratic Club.　

The Club was founded in 1994 by activists who wanted to build lesbian and gay power and involvement in the Democratic Party. The purpose of the club is to support LGBT-friendly candidates, promote legislative issues of importance to the LGBT community and provide a forum for LGBT voters to meet candidates and officeholders.

Eighth Ward Democratic Executive Committee

Sayde is excited to have received the endorsement of the 8th Ward.

The mission of the Eighth Ward Democratic Executive Committee is to activate the Democratic voters of the Eighth Ward, connect them to their party and their government and effect their political will. To this end the Eighth Ward Democratic Executive Committee shall: 1.) educate residents about the mechanics of voting, including registration and absentee balloting; 2.) solicit views and concerns from the residents of the Ward; 3.) help residents evaluate candidates; and 4.) help residents influence the actions of public officials.

Fifth and Ninth Wards

The Fifth Ward has endorsed Sayde as their candidate as has the 9th Ward.

The 5th, 8th and 9th Wards comprise Center City, Northern Liberties, Chestnut Hill, Society Hill, Olde City and many other neighborhoods as well.

Additional Endorsements

Sayde has received the endorsement if the Pentecostal Clergy PAC.

Sayde has the support of the District Attorney R. Seth Williams. Sayde has been found recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association Judicial Commission.

Stay tuned for more endorsements...

Christie, Sweeney Reach Agreement On Court Nominees

Joined at a press conference by Senate President Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced a bipartisan agreement to move forward the stalled nomination of Morris County resident Anne Paterson as an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme court. On May 10, 2010, Governor Christie nominated Patterson, following through on his pledge to rebalance and set a new direction for the state’s highest court.

“I’m pleased that we’ve come together in a bipartisan way to bring an end to the impasse of the last year and move forward with the confirmation process for a much deserving and highly qualified nominee for the Supreme Court. In Anne Patterson, we have a future associate justice of the highest character, legal intellect and compassion, who I believe will serve the people of New Jersey extraordinarily well,” said Governor Christie. “As the confirmation process moves forward for Anne, I believe it is inevitable that the Senate reaches the same conclusion about her as I have. I want to thank Senate President Sweeney for being a willing partner in finding a path forward today on this nomination and for subsequent future nominations to the Supreme Court.”

Governor Christie will formally withdraw Anne Patterson’s nomination and resubmit it for the seat being vacated by Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto. Senate President Sweeney has agreed to move swiftly to afford Patterson a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and an up-or-down vote by the full Senate during the month of May. Upon her confirmation, for the first time, New Jersey would have a female majority on the Supreme Court, and become only the fifth state in America to have that distinction. Further as part of the agreement, the Senate President has agreed to provide the same expedited process in 2012, holding hearings for Governor Christie’s nominees in sufficient time to have them seated by March of 2012, if confirmed.

Anne Patterson, 52, is a partner with the law firm Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP, has received a rating of “highly qualified” from the New Jersey State Bar Association. There she practices primarily in the areas of product liability and commercial litigation in state and federal courts, class actions involving product liability and pharmaceutical pricing, intellectual property litigation, restrictive covenant litigation, closely held corporation litigation and appeals.

Patterson has been a member of the New Jersey bar for 27 years and has practiced before the state's Supreme Court, appellate and trial courts. In 1989 and 1990, Patterson served as a Deputy Attorney General and Special Assistant to then-New Jersey Attorney General Peter N. Perretti, Jr.