Culottes flap tests fabric of court: public defender escalates feud by goading get-tough judge over shorts policy

Article Abstract:

Broward County, FL, Assistant Public Defender Robert Godwin has been an active critic of Circuit Court Judge Barry Goldstein's court rules to the extent of using defense lawyer Crystal to target potentially discriminatory rules. Crystal wore culottes in court which led to her arrest for violating Goldstein's rule against wearing shorts. Goldstein sees this incident as part of a conspiracy against him while Godwin says he just wants to make a point that some of Goldstein's dress and sentencing policies disproportionately impact minority clients.

State Courts, Social aspects, Florida, Goldstein, Barry

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Outspoken and outmatched; a controversial judge fights a losing battle with the 7th Circuit

Article Abstract:

Federal district Judge Brian Barnett Duff has long had a reputation of difficulty and unpredictability in the Chicago legal community. Stories about his temper are many. A panel of the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit removed Duff in 1996 from presiding over a class action on the constitutionality of the Illinois mental health system, saying his private meeting with a court-appointed panel of experts where he received a preview of their findings was improper. Duff admits to his temper but believes he has mellowed with age.

United States, Officials and employees, Federal courts, Duff, Brian Barnett

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Complaining jurors get a hearing: Manhattan ombudservice designed to make jury duty less trying

Article Abstract:

Reforms to NY's jury system include a so-called Ombudservice administered by the Vera Institute of Justice to help potential jurors and track the nature of complaints in Manhattan. Long considered one of the courts most hostile to jurors, Manhattan has a slew of problems, though the Ombudservice says it has been able to remedy more of these than it expected. Funded through Dec 1995 by a $100,000 grant, it operates most weekdays and has a hotline to air complaints and advise potential jurors about the system.

State & Local Courts, Innovations, Services, New York, New York, Jury members, Courts, Vera Institute of Justice

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