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On the Defensive

Apr 2, 2015

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Planted evidence yields only harm for justice system

There is nothing that harms the integrity of the criminal justice system more than a rogue officer planting evidence.

Mar 5, 2015

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Walker’s ‘conflict offices’ solution misses mark

Gov. Scott Walker’s recently unveiled biennial budget proposal outlines a measure to create “conflict offices” that would result in the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office retaining more criminal cases.

Feb 2, 2015

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Civil forfeiture lucrative but open to abuse

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced the immediate termination of “equitable sharing,” a civil-asset forfeiture program run by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Dec 2, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: The dangers of John Doe

The theme of Franz Kafka’s book, “The Trial,” resonates as strongly today as ever. Prosecutors have amassed powers and tools that were inconceivable even a generation ago.

Nov 6, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Criminal law takes a toll

A prominent New Jersey criminal defense attorney, William Buckman, committed suicide in a hotel room Oct. 14.

Sep 8, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Police misconduct claims deserve day in court

It has become common knowledge that a Ferguson, Mo., police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black man.

Aug 6, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Technology a constant threat to clients’ privacy

In a rare unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in Riley v. California that police must secure a warrant before searching a cellphone owned by a criminal suspect.

Jul 7, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Children need shields from adult courts

In the past decade, there have been a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” as it applies to juvenile defendants.

May 6, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Recognizing a court’s inherent authority

Few motions in criminal cases cause more confusion than those based on a court’s inherent authority.

Apr 1, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Defense of liberty should face no obstacles

Criminal defense attorneys have few tools they can use to learn about the prosecution’s case.

Feb 6, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: Criminal justice system powerless against addiction

There is a crisis in this country. Considerable numbers of otherwise good people have become addicted to opiates.

Jan 21, 2014

ON THE DEFENSIVE: The need for restorative justice

In 1993, the Wisconsin Constitution was amended to give crime victims certain privileges.

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