Ten years later, officer recants; accused killer, once on death row, freed in 3d trial
Article Abstract:
A senior police officer changed his story after ten years, leading a DuPage Circuit Court judge to acquit Rolando Cruz of the 1983 rape and murder of ten-year-old Jeanine Nicario. It was Cruz's third trial, two earlier convictions having been overturned on appeal. The state's case was based almost entirely on a purported dream-confession by Cruz that his lawyers said was concocted by the police. Lt. James Monsanto changed his testimony at the last minute, saying he could not corroborate two officers' stories.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1995
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Restaurant tries to break police silence; a fast-food chain can't get details of murders. Police say it would compromise probe
Article Abstract:
Families of the deceased have sued Brown's Chicken and Pasta Inc. for alleged negligence which led to a murder in one of its franchises three years ago. Police never arrested anyone and will not let the company have its files to help in a defense, maintaining that the leaking of such files will make it harder to catch the perpetrators. The investigatory files privilege is common both in state and federal courts. The publicity surrounding the O.J. Simpson case makes authorities very leery of disclosure.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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Implant pact: what's next? Plaintiffs question defense's unusual 'science trial' idea
Article Abstract:
A reorganization plan proposed by Dow Corning Corp with a $2 bil settlement offer to silicone breast implant plaintiffs has their attorneys worried and fearing a trick to get their clients to give up the rights to a trial by jury. The centerpiece of this offer is a restricted trial in which a court-appointed panel of independent medical authorities would decide on the causation issue. Plaintiffs' attorneys fear Dow is trying for a plan which would unduly favor the company.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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