Criminal Justice Degree

The Legal Hall of Fame: 10 Key Figures in the History of Law

Contributor — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:28 +0000

It’s difficult to objectively pluck a mere ten figures from the annals of history to feature as key lawyers for the criminal justice system. But this list was created with an eye to men and women, black and white, who made their marks in American courts over the past 300 years. Some individuals served as U.S. Presidents (actually, only two are noted here, although 25 lawyers eventually became presidents). The women are included as markers for progress, showing that even Bella Abzug was denied entry to law school because of her gender as late as the 20th century. All ten lawyers listed below fought for justice, often in unpopular venues and in with remarkable skill and ethics.

John Adams (1735-1826) is best known as one of America’s Founding Fathers and the second President of the U.S. However, he was derided in his role as a defense lawyer for eight British soldiers who were convicted of mortally wounding five Americans during what is now known as the Boston Massacre. By taking on the unpopular defense, Adams lost over half his law practice. But, his actions, based upon his belief that every person deserved a defense, eventually earned him accolades. The jury acquitted six of the eight soldiers, while two were convicted of manslaughter and their thumbs were branded. As president, Adams appointed John Marshall as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Marshall was the longest-serving Chief Justice of the United States.
Henry Clay (1777-1852) was a lawyer, politician, and skilled orator. Clay’s most notable client was Aaron Burr in 1806, after the US District Attorney Joseph Hamilton Daviess indicted him for planning an expedition into Spanish Territory west of the Mississippi River. Clay and his law partner, John Allen, successfully defended Burr. Some years later Thomas Jefferson convinced Clay that Daviess had been right in his charges. Clay was so upset that, many years later when he met Burr again, Clay refused to shake his hand. Clay brokered important compromises during the Nullification Crisis and on the slavery issue (although he owned 60 slaves, whom he released with his Will). As part of the “Great Triumvirate” or “Immortal Trio,” along with his colleagues Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun, he was instrumental in formulating the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was a lawyer who changed the face of the country during the American Civil War when he served as the 16th President of the U.S. He preserved the Union, ended slavery, and promoted economic and financial modernization. Self-educated, Lincoln became a country lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and a one-term member of the United States House of Representatives, but failed in two attempts at a seat in the United States Senate. A great orator, his 1863 Gettysburg Address has become the most quoted speech in American history.

Belva Lockwood (1830-1917) because the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. She also successfully lobbied for a bill to provide female federal employees the same pay as men. Denied entry into law school because she was a woman, Belva Lockwood studied privately with a member of the administration of the National University Law School and earned a law degree in 1873. In one of her most famous cases, she appeared in front of the Supreme Court on behalf of the Cherokee people regarding money owed to them from the U.S. government. In 1906, Lockwood won a $5 million award for her clients. At the time, she also was the only woman who was a candidate for the U.S. Presidency.
George Washington Williams (1849-1891) was a pastor, an attorney, and a legislator who made history as the first African-American to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives. The son of a laborer, Williams enlisted at age 14 in the Union Army and fought in the American Civil War. He was ordained as a minister in 1874, then he moved to Cincinnati to study law. Williams is best known, however, for his book, History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880, published in 1882. There had been several works written on this subject by black historians, but Williams’ work was the first account that strove for historical accuracy. Williams’ research for his next work, A History of the Negro Troops in the War of the Rebellion (1888), involved the gathering of oral histories from black Civil War veterans and the culling of newspaper accounts, both techniques which subsequently became basic resources in American historiography.
Clarence Darrow (1857-1938) became a member of the Ohio bar in 1878. For the next nine years he was a typical small-town lawyer. However, in 1887 Darrow moved to Chicago in search of more interesting work. In 1924, he agreed to take the Leopold-Loeb case, where two wealthy students had kidnapped and murdered a young boy. Darrow’s most famous case was in 1925, when he defended John T. Scopes, a teacher accused of teaching the evolutionary origin of man, rather than the doctrine of divine creation (informally known as the Scopes Monkey Trial). His main opponent in the case was the former presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan, who believed the literal interpretation of the Bible. Darrow asked the court to find Scopes guilty — a move that would allow a higher court to consider an appeal. The verdict was returned as guilty after nine minutes of deliberation, but Darrow died six days later in his sleep.
Samuel Liebowitz (1893-1978) was a criminal defense attorney, famously noted for winning the vast majority of his cases. Although most of his trials were notorious, his most memorable work came as counsel for the Scottsboro Boys, nine Southern African-American youths who were falsely accused of rape and sentenced to death in Alabama in 1931. No crime in American history — let alone a crime that never occurred — produced as many trials, convictions, reversals, and retrials over the course of two decades. Liebowitz became obsessed with his defense to the point where he worked for four years on the cases without pay or reimbursement for most of his expenses. After taking the case to the Supreme Court, the defendants’ convictions were reversed in Norris v. Alabama, a decision that Leibowitz called a “triumph for American justice.”

Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was a lawyer, this country’s first African-American Supreme Court justice, and the legal architect of the civil-rights revolution. The great-grandson of a slave, Marshall won his first major civil rights case, Murray v. Pearson, in 1936. This was the first challenge of the “separate but equal” doctrine that was part of the Plessy v. Ferguson decision created in 1896. But, Marshall may be best remembered for his high success rate in arguing before the Supreme Court and for the victory in Brown v. Board of Education. He argued more cases before the United States Supreme Court than anyone else in history. Numerous memorials are dedicated to Justice Marshall. One, an eight-foot statute, stands in Lawyers Mall adjacent to the Maryland State House. The statute, dedicated on October 22, 1996, depicts Marshall as a young lawyer and it is placed just a few feet away from where the Old Maryland Supreme Court Building stood — the court where Marshall had argued discrimination cases leading up to the Brown decision.
Bella Abzug (1920-1998) applied to Harvard Law School, but they rejected her because of her gender. After graduating from Columbia University’s law school, Bella Abzug worked as a lawyer for a number of years. In the 1960s, she became involved the antinuclear and peace movements. Abzug helped organize the Women Strike for Peace in 1961. To promote women’s issues and to lobby for reform, she helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus with leading feminists Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem. Known for her big hats and an even bigger voice, Bella Abzug left her mark on U.S. politics as a women’s rights champion and determined antiwar activist.
Michelle Obama (1964 – ) attended Princeton University and went on to earn her JD from Harvard Law School in 1988. Michelle worked as an associate in the Chicago branch of the law firm Sidley Austin in the area of marketing and intellectual property. There in 1989, she met her future husband, current President Barack Obama, who was then a summer intern whom she was assigned as an adviser. Michelle soon left her job to launch a career in public service, serving as an assistant to Mayor Daley and then as the assistant commissioner of planning and development for the City of Chicago. In May 2005, she was appointed vice president of community relations and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she continues to work part-time. Along with her participation in many public offices (she sits on six boards, including the prestigious Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools), Michelle currently serves as this country’s first African-American First Lady.

30 Helpful Websites Every New Attorney Should Bookmark

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:12:18 +0000

If studying for a criminal justice degree, you are about to learn a lot about the law. But what do you do if you need the knowledge of the attorney but without the degree and law license? Even if you are an attorney, laws can change faster than degrees are printed, and it can be a lot to keep up with.

No matter what your career in criminal justice is, it can be advantageous to know about the law as it happens. To help, we have gathered 30 helpful websites every new attorney should bookmark. They can help you do everything from reading about the latest ruling to practicing or working in a specific area of law.

Helpful General Websites Every New Attorney Should Bookmark

Both new and experienced attorneys will enjoy these legal sites full of information.

ABA Journal Every lawyer should have the official site of the American Bar Association’s journal bookmarked. It contains the latest news for and by lawyers. They also have tons of blogs, podcasts, and much more.
Supreme Court of the United States Get the latest information for the highest court in all the 50 states. You can look to see what’s on the docket, oral arguments, rules, and even case handling guides. They also have recent decisions and opinions right on the homepage.
Department of Justice See how justice is carried out at the highest levels on this must bookmark site. A few of the latest choices on the site include open government, the criminal justice system, and the Affordable Care Act. You can also check out the latest news, as well as read their official blog.
Office of the Attorney General Check up on the Lawyer-In-Chief at this site. News and updates on the office are often featured. There are also links to many related sites.
Smart Brief They keep on top of many industries, including law. In the PLI Brief, the law and its practice are discussed in detail. There are many new stories every day and are often organized by most clicked.
Law.com Get all things attorney on this site. They have legal research and directories, surveys, publications, jobs, and more. You can also get the latest news and videos on the homepage.
Lawyers.com The sort of Google for lawyers, new attorneys may want to be listed here to be connected with future clients. They also have legal help and resources, as well as downloadable legal forms. You can also check out the blog and articles by and for attorneys.
On Point Get a new take on legal news here. They often include legal opinions on the many pressing and controversial issues of the day. You can even look up news by case.
Justice Learn more about the court system and attorneys in the UK with a visit here. Popular current choices include procedure rules, employment tribunal, and probate service. You can also get the latest news on the homepage.
Department of Justice Get justice Canadian style with a visit here. Their DOJ also has an Attorney General, along with a minister. You can also learn much more including procedures and news.

Helpful Blogs Every New Attorney Should Bookmark

Get law talk straight from lawyers in these helpful blogs.

Law Practice Management William L. Pfeifer is an attorney and a freelance writer who has written extensively on legal issues and the practice of law. Check out his blog and site for About.com with tons of helpful advice for lawyers. Must reads include “Become the Expert in Your Specialty” and “3 Quick Tips for Lawyer Time Management.”
Overlawyered Walter Olson is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute (formerly at the Manhattan Institute) and author of several books about the U.S. litigation system. Also the author of this blog, he details the high cost of the legal system. See why people dislike lawyers and how to avoid becoming one with a read.
Law Blog With a blog for just about every industry, “The Wall Street Journal” also chimes in on law. It covers the notable legal cases, trends, and personalities of interest to the business community. Unlike some other areas of WSJ, you don’t need a subscription to read the blog.
SCOTUS Blog Stop here for the blog that covers the latest in Supreme Court news. Sponsored by Goldstein & Russell, they have the latest posts on everything from manifest disregard to gays in the military. You can even see which petitions they are watching and why.
Above the Law This blog covers everything for attorneys from big practices to small firms. You can find the latest news in law, as well as tips for law school or finding a job. The Career Center is also a big help for new attorneys.
Legal Juice Get a daily dose of legal related enjoyment with a visit to this blog. It is published by John B. Mesirow of Mesirow & Stravitz, PLLC. There are even little Juice Drops on items such as court ordered ankle monitors and faking cancer.
Point of Law This is a web magazine sponsored by the Manhattan Institute that brings together information and opinion on the U.S. litigation system. Categories feature everything from administered compensation to whistleblower law. There are also podcasts for the listening.
Dear Esq Have a legal question but are too embarrassed to ask in person? Then stop by here to post a legal question anonymously. You can also check out the tons of questions that have already been answered.
Jurist Legal news and research is featured on this blog. It is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law. Cases discussed include everything from small town laws to the international.
Blawg Review If the above isn’t enough for you, stop here. It is a collection of all the law blogs from across the web. They feature the best in stories in one place.

Helpful Specific Websites Every New Attorney Should Bookmark

These sites focus on a specific aspect of law.

Blawg IT Patent, trademark, copyright, and internet law are discussed here. Brett Trout is a patent attorney who focuses on the peculiarities of the law. One of his latest posts was on the Flyover Effect.
First Amendment Center If you are a new attorney who is all about free speech, then you should be all about this site. Ken Paulson is president and chief executive officer of the center and has entries on religion, press, assembly, and petition. He even features lesson plans and a special section entitled “Moot Court.”
Constitutional Law Prof Blog You don’t have to be one of Professor Schwinn or Robson’s students to appreciate this blog, but it doesn’t hurt. They specialize in constitutional law and often comment on related issues in the media. Current ones include the death penalty and an open government initiative.
Crime and Consequences This blog is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation. They approach criminal law issues from the perspective of victims of crime and the law abiding public. Everything from academia to victims’ rights is taken on in blog entries.
Election Law Blog Learn about election law from the experts with a visit to this blog. They cover the “law of politics and the politics of law” in one convenient place. Recent posts are a series on the Fraudulent Fraud Squad.
How Appealing Get the “web’s first blog devoted to appellate litigation” with a visit here. Howard J. Bashman is your blogger and is part of Pennsylvania’s Appellate Boutique. He often takes recent decisions and gives his expert opinion on them.
Sentencing Law and Policy Douglas A. Berman is a professor of law at Ohio State University and a member of the Law Professor Blogs Network. Get the latest news on sentences of the convicted with a visit.
Law and Magic The title of the blog is actually a good choice, as this is all about the law and magical subjects, such as freedom of religion and the occult. A recent post was even on how “The Wizard of Oz” pertains to witness examination.
The Blog of Legal Times Ever hear how lobbyists are ruining the country? Find out how and why with a visit here. They bring you law and lobbying news from Washington D.C.
TED Law Finally, if the above aren’t enough for you, click here. TED is a leading website that features speakers who are leaders in their field. A variety of experts are also featured on legal subjects such as global labor and simplifying legal jargon.

And there are many other places to find answers than the above 30 websites every new attorney should bookmark. For example, if looking for salary information in various criminal justice areas, click here.

40 Informative Forums for Law Enforcement Professionals

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:15:30 +0000

Law enforcement can be an exciting and interesting field. However, in some cases, you can’t talk about what you’ve seen, or it’s hard to explain your complex feelings about the job to those who don’t have a similar frame of reference. In such cases, it can help you visit a forum.

The Internet offers a large number of forums that you can visit if you are involved in law enforcement. From being an officer of the law, to being a lawyer in the criminal justice system, and even to those in the military, you can find others who understand you with the help of online forums. Here are 40 forums for law enforcement professionals:

Law Enforcement Officers

There are a number of forums available for law enforcement officers. From local police, to state troopers, to FBI professionals and others, these forums can be a great place to connect to others in the profession.

Officer.com Forums: Great forums related to law enforcement. Connect with others, and share stories and frustrations.
Real Police Forums: Includes restricted areas off limits to those who aren’t in law enforcement.
911JobsForums: Get your questions answered from those who do law enforcement jobs. A great place to connect.
APBWeb Forums: Great chat, FAQs and more related to police work and law enforcement.
PoliceOne Police Forums: You can browse public forums, or you can enter secure forums, especially for law enforcement.
PoliceWorld: Discussions, helpful hints, and more related to police and law enforcement.
POLICE Magazine Forums: Connect with other law enforcement officers through the forums at the POLICE Magazine web site.
PoliceHub: A great place to congregate online and talk about police work. Plenty of interesting discussions and news.
NJLawman.com Forums: A place for the law enforcement community, especially those members in New Jersey.
International Law Enforcement Forum: Connect with law enforcement officers from all over the world. A great place to make new friends.
PoliceWives.org: This is a great forum for the wives of police officers. Connect and share.

Lawyers

Lawyers play a vital role in the criminal justice system and in law enforcement. It you are an attorney, or a law student, you can visit one of these forums to connect with others, and even learn something new.

TheAttorneysForum.com: Message board that can be used to have law questions answered, and to connect.
Law Vibe: Discuss questions of law with others in your profession. A great place to connect.
Criminal Lawyer Forum: A great place to meet to get information about criminal law, and learn a little more about this aspect of criminal justice and law enforcement.
CourtForum.com: Share insights, and have lively discussions, about law, law enforcement, and the justice system.
LawInfo Legal Discussion Boards: Keep up with different laws and legal theory, and connect with other lawyers.
WORLD Law Direct: An interesting place to go in order to find out more about law, and more. Also visit the law wiki and other resources.
Women Lawyers Forum: This great forum offered by the Canadian Bar Association helps female lawyers connect to each other.
The Law Forums: Get answers to questions about law. Great resource for law enforcement officers and the public alike.
Law School Discussion: Find out more about law school, getting in, and how to survive the process.
Criminal Justice Forum: This is meant for the public dealing with criminal justice issues. It can be a great resource for lawyers and law enforcement officers alike. A different perspective.

Military Personnel

In many cases, military personnel act as law enforcement officers while abroad. If you are involved in the military, you can share stories, and connect with people who understand your situation and experiences.

Military.com Forums: Discuss issues and connect with other military personnel who understand your situation.
Military Forums: MilitarySpot offers some great information on military careers, as well as discussions and debates.
International Military Forums: See photos, chat, and make connections with military service personnel from all over the world.
Military Photos Forum: Share images, rant, and connect. A great place to blow off some steam.
Army Forums: Share your Army story, connect with others, and realize that you are not alone.
MilitaryTimes.com Forum: Connect with others on the MilitaryTimes web site. A great place to visit if you want to share your story, and read about others’ experiences.
AllMilitary.com Form: Another great forum that allows you to connect with others in the military in a meaningful way. Includes forums for the major branches, as well as a forum for military spouses and families.
Military Wives: A good place for military wives to congregate online, and commiserate with people who understand them.
VetFriends: Meant for Veterans looking to reconnect with old comrades. A great place to look for fellow veterans.

Law Enforcement Job Forums

If you are interested in learning more about the law enforcement jobs available to you, these forums can be a valuable resource. Check out these forums for information on finding and securing a law enforcement job.

PoliceLink: Job site Monster.com offers a great community. Find jobs, chat, and learn more about police work.
CopSeek Job Board: You can use this job board and job search to find law enforcement jobs.
Police Employment: Career information, discussions and job postings in law enforcement. A great resource for those looking for a job in law enforcement.
JobCop: Join this community and learn about law enforcement training, as well as get access to job descriptions. Informative and interesting.
PoliceJobsInfo: Get information on careers in law enforcement at the city, state, and federal level. Find different jobs with the job board, and have your questions answered.
Blue Line Jobs: This U.K. law enforcement web site can provide you with access to job opportunities, and to a great community.
FBIjobs: If you are interested in a career with the FBI, this can be a great place to visit. It’s the government information and job forum for FBI employment.
USMilitary.com: Find out more about different jobs and careers, including those for civilians.
MilitaryHire: Use this job forum to find a job as a veteran.
LawJobs: Find a job as a lawyer. A great starting point.

The 50 Best Blogs Discussing Capital Punishment

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:27:28 +0000

Capital punishment is one of the most hotly debated issues facing the United States criminal justice system. While over 70 percent of the general population reportedly supports the death penalty, there is a growing movement of vocal opposition to the practice. The main reasons that these people oppose the death penalty vary, but many cite racial bias, errors which cause innocents to be executed, and cruelty of the execution method. These are 50 of the best blogs and resources that discuss both sides of the issue.

Pro-Death Penalty Blogs

There are few pro-death penalty blogs on the Internet, because it is an unpopular position, and because the law as it stands satisfies pro-death penalty bloggers.

Crime and Consequences The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation is an organization that supports the continued use of the death penalty in America.
Pro Death Penalty At Pro Death Penalty, you can read many articles supporting the view that capital punishment should be continued in the United States.
Pro Capital Punishment Page Wesley Lowe’s Pro Capital Punishment page draws on many different sources for its assessment that capital punishment is justified and a deterrent to violent crime.

Neutral Blogs

These blogs and resource websites attempt to keep the debate balanced on both sides, providing resources and ways for different people to share ideas.

CrimProf Blog: Capital Punishment A group of criminal law professors blogs about the death penalty and its application across the United States.
Texas Death Penalty Blog The Dallas Morning News hosts this blog, which is dedicated to continuing the ongoing debate about the justice of capital punishment.
Sentencing Law And Policy Douglas A. Berman, of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, was awarded the “2005 Best Blog By A Law Professor” for his work here.
Clark County Prosecutor Steven D. Stewart. the Clark County, IN Prosecuting Attorney has over 1,000 capital punishment links on his website, both arguing for and against the practice.
UAA Justice Center: University of Alaska Anchorage This is an informative and well-researched site that has capital punishment information for each of the 38 states where that is legal.
Executed Today This morbidly fascinating blog, which is neither for or against the death penalty, presents a daily account of a historical execution.
Death Penalty Is This blog is dedicated to providing a lively debate about the merits and the faults of capital punishment. News articles are included.
SCOTUS Blog The Supreme Court of The United States is the sole subject of this blog, whose writes cover cases, nominations, and opinions in detail.

International Anti-Capital Punishment Groups

These groups fight for the abolition of the death penalty on a worldwide scale.

Amnesty International: Death Penalty Amnesty International views the death penalty as the ultimate violation of human rights. Get news updates on the death penalty around the U.S. here.
Asia Death Penalty The Asian continent is the site of the most frequently-executing countries in the world. This blog supports the efforts to end capital punishment in Asia.
Human Rights Blog This human rights blog covers human rights violations by governments around the world and also has over a hundred links to websites pertaining to capital punishment.
World Coalition Against The Death Penalty This French organization brings together the news about the death penalty from around the world.
Lifespark Lifespark is a Swiss organization opposed to the death penalty that was founded in 1993. They facilitate people becoming “pen-pals” with Death Row inmates across the United States.
Canadian Coalition Against The Death Penalty The CCADP is a Canadian group that reaches out to Death Row inmates in Canada and America, helping fight to prove their innocence.

National Anti-Death Penalty Groups

These groups use high-profile cases to help make their cases to the public about why executions are inhumane and represent a huge cost to the state.

ACLU Blog Of Rights: Capital Punishment The staunchly anti-death penalty ACLU blogs about issues related to capital punishment here.
Death Penalty Focus Death Penalty Focus presents anti-death penalty viewpoints from around America.
Death Penalty News and Updates Rick Halperin of Southern Methodist University keeps this blog update don a weekly basis with news articles and the names of the recently executed.
Abolish the Death Penalty Blog The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty maintains this blog dedicated to getting the death penalty repealed nationwide. The authors tell stories of the lives affected by the death penalty.
Sister Helen Prejean Sister Helen Prejean, renowned death penalty abolitionist, keeps this page updated on a periodic basis with news from the field.
Death Penalty Information Center The Death Penalty Information Center blog includes news and reports from all over the United States regarding the death penalty, legal challenges, and other death penalty items of interest.
Campaign To End The Death Penalty Campaign To End The Death Penalty is a national chapter-based group whose sole objective is to abolish capital punishment in the U.S.A.
Anti Death Penalty The Anti Death Penalty Blog has articles about the history of the death penalty, execution statistics, and arguments against the death penalty.
The Federal Death Penalty Resource Counsel The FDPRC presents the latest legal news related to capital punishment cases prosecuted on the federal level.
Death Penalty Moratorium Implementation Project This project of the American Bar Association calls for a moratorium on the death penalty on America because the penalty is administered in an “unfair and discriminatory” fashion.

Innocence Project The Innocence Project’s mission is to help wrongly accused prisoners who may be exonerated with proper DNA testing. Since 1992 when the group was founded, they have helped over 250 people gain their freedom once again.
Equal Justice Initiative The Equal Justice Initiative maintains that the death penalty is undesirable because many innocent people are sentenced to die, the process harbors racial bias, and many lawyers for the indigent are incapable of rendering an adequate defense.

Blogs About Texas

Why Texas? Texas executes more people each year than any other state in America; consequently, activists focus on Texas as a place where action is urgently needed to stop the death penalty.

The StandDown Texas Project Begun in 2000 to recommend a halt to all executions in the state of Texas, StandDown Texas believes that a review of the death penalty process in Texas is in order.
Grits For Breakfast This blog covers the criminal justice system in Texas, which is known worldwide for its proportionately high number of executions each year.
Execution Watch Elizabeth Ann Stein hosts a weekly radio program on a liberal Houston radio station. She focuses her blog on anti-death penalty efforts in Texas.
Texas Death Penalty Blog The Blog of Students Against The Death Penalty highlights the stories of everyone on Death Row in Texas. They publicize legal challenges to the death sentences as well.
Texas Moratorium Network The Texas Moratorium Network seeks to place a moratorium on all executions in Texas due to the possibility of innocents being executed.
Cameron Todd Willingham: Innocent And Executed The story of Cameron Todd Willingham, a Texas man who appears to have been wrongly convicted of the murders of his children and executed in 2004.
Texas Death Penalty Education and Resource Center Texas Death Penalty Education and Resource Center is working tirelessly to have the death penalty not just temporarily stopped, but completely repealed.

Other Anti-Death Penalty Organizations

These are regional, non-Texan death penalty abolitionist groups.

Maryland Citizens Against State Executions MD CASE is a group of people and organizations throughout the state of Maryland who are fighting for the repeal of the death penalty.
Southern Center For Human Rights The lawyers of the Southern Center For Human Rights represent death row inmates during the appeal process as well as in the post-conviction review.
Georgians For Alternatives To The Death Penalty The GFADP is working for better practices in the criminal justice system of Georgia; most of all, to end the death penalty.
Harmfulerror JoNell’s blog covers Nevada court cases as well as those heard by the Supreme Court.
Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Tennesseans for Alternatives To The Death Penalty blog about the latest news related to capital punishment in their state as well as in neighboring states.

Blogs By Inmates And By Murder Victims’ Families

These blogs give us some more insight into the daily lives and thoughts of Death Row inmates and victims’ families who oppose capital punishment.

Journey Of Hope Journey Of Hope is an organization led by the families of murder victims plus the families of people on Death Row. They discuss alternatives to the death penalty.
Murder Victims’ Families For Reconciliation The MVFR, founded in 1976, is a group made up of family members of murder victims who oppose the death penalty.
Murder Victims’ Families For Human Rights MVFHR is an international group based in the United States. All members have something in common: they have lost a loved one to murder or execution, and they oppose the death penalty.
Deadman Talking This blog consists of a series of columns written by Dean Carter, a Death Row inmate in California’s San Quentin Prison.
Meet Vernon Vernon Lee Evans is a death row inmate in Maryland who has been blogging for a while. He received a stay of execution in 2006.

Personal Anti-Death Penalty Blogs

The Lonely Abolitionist Carrie J. is against the death penalty and chooses to blog about particular cases in which she thinks the sentence is particularly unjust.
Capital Defense Weekly Capital Defense Weekly, started by New Jersey lawyer Karl Keys, has been in existence since 1997, before anyone was calling these things “blogs.”
Terry Lenamon on the Death Penalty Terry Lenamon is a board-certified attorney who specializes in death penalty defense. He is sought after as a commentator on death penalty cases.
Uncommon Sense Cuban activist and death penalty opponent Marc Masferrer blogs about the perceived injustice in the capital punishment system as well as the plight of Cuban political prisoners.

Top 50 Criminal Defense Blogs

admin — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 10:58:04 +0000

Whether you are the victim, family member, or alleged perpetrator, chances are you are going to encounter the criminal defense system at some time in your life. However, hiring a lawyer is more expensive than ever. Why not save yourself a few hours of research and a few thousand dollars by checking out a blog?

They can help put criminal defense law into laymen’s terms, help for filing motions, or even tips for how to get arrested properly. To help, we have gathered the top 50 criminal defense blogs. Written by public defenders, private lawyers, law professors, and even district attorneys, they are sure to have something useful.

Top General Criminal Defense Blogs

Criminal Defense : Brian Tannenbaum is a criminal and Bar defender of present, future, and former lawyers. Blogging since 2005, he has plenty to say about criminal defense. Many entries deal with current topics in criminal defense.
Traffic Court Blog: No matter how law abiding, the prospect of traffic court confronts us all at some point in our lives. Stop here to get traffic court news, self-help tools, and tips from professionals. The blog is edited by an actual attorney and is full of help.
Law of Criminal Defense : This blog begins with a quotation from the U.S. Constitution. Click on entries to get more information on both law and crime. There is also a related book on the topic.
Probable Cause : Rick is a criminal attorney from Fresno who practices law in an unknown location. He specializes in arguing criminal and traffic defense cases. Visit his blog for useful entries and resources.
SCOTUS Blog : Stop here for the official blog of the Supreme Court of the United States. Sections include orders and opinions, commentary, new filings, petitions, and term tracker. An excellent choice for those who want to follow criminal defense law and beyond.
BCOTUS : The above blog is so popular, it inspired this one that follows it. The focus is to track the SCOTUS blog, the cases they take on, as well as their take. It is headed by Rick Horowitz, who is doing the job of both court clerk and justice.
Crime and Consequences : This blog is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation. Issues include death penalty, mental state, sentencing, victim’s rights, and more. With dozens of blog entries per month, make time for this criminal defense blog.
Grits for Breakfast : Scott Henson is a former journalist turned researcher/political consultant. In his blog, he takes a look at the Texas criminal defense system in this popular entry. In addition to entries, he also includes a recipe for grits.
Crime & Federalism : Mark believes everything he was ever told about criminal defense was a lie. See why with a read of the blog. Recent entries are on matriarchy and prison.

Top Criminal Defense Blogs by a Lawyer

A Public Defender : If arrested, a lawyer just like Gideon may represent you. He writes on everything from clients to crime. Recent posts are on cops, sentencing, and ridicule.
Public Defender Stuff : Get “indigent defense news”on this blog. It tracks public defender news and other blog posts from across the country. They even have interviews with actual public defenders.
The Common Scold : Monica Bay is a journalist, lawyer, and Yankees fanatic. She named her blog after the punishment given to Puritan women for speaking their mind. In addition to current law, she also has lots to say on this older version of criminal law.
A Criminal Enterprise : Three bloggers take on criminal defense here. Criminal defense attorneys Robert and Bidish work on primarily death penalty appeals. See what they are up to and get opinions on the latest trials with a visit.
Defending People : Get the “tao of criminal defense lawyering” here. The blog is about the art and science of criminal defense lawyering, as well as anything else that strikes Mark Bennett’s interest. The latest includes jury selection and stupid questions.
Capital Defense Weekly : Lawyers come from across the nation to blog here. Criminal defense entries have mostly to do with capital defense. You can also search for the case you are most interested in.

Top Local Criminal Defense Blogs by a Lawyer

Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer : Jamie Spencer is a lawyer in the capital of Texas. Topics include everything from DWI to search and seizures. Current cases in the news are also discussed.
Koehler Law : Jamison Koehler assists those with legal issues in Northern Virginia or the District of Columbia. He has sections on drugs, firearms, DWI, assault, and more. He even has tips for those being arrested.
Virginia Criminal and Traffic Law Blog : This blog discusses recent cases and legislation in Virginia regarding criminal and traffic law. Recent posts are on reckless driving and an attempted abduction. The blogger also offers free consultations.
Houston’s Clear Thinkers : This blog is intended to help professionals stay out of criminal matters. Attorney Tom Kirkendall gives observations on developments in law. He even has a site just for mobile devices.
Ninth Circuit : Eight federal defenders stop here to blog on criminal defense. A useful read if interested in federal law or the happenings in this particular circuit. They also have a Case of the Week with more.
Simple Justice : Stop here for a New York criminal defense blog. Scott Greenfield believes in a different approach to criminal defense. He even includes an interesting television ad for a lawyer on the blog.
Underdog : Stop here for the blog of a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia and Maryland. John Katz is a defense and DWI attorney. He even has a free tip sheet on things to do before hiring a criminal defense lawyer.
Taking the Fifth : C. Zadik Shapiro is a lawyer in San Francisco with 20 years of experience. Categories range from assault to wiretaps. Entries also look at recent cases.
Life at the Harris County CJC : The Criminal Justice Center in Harris County, TX is one of the largest in the nation. See how this defense attorney and former prosecutor spends his days. The blog is meant to give outsiders a view of the inside workings.

Top Criminal Prosecution Blogs

DA Confidential : DA is a prosecutor working in Austin, TX. News, issues, and even trivia are offered. This lawyer is currently preparing for their first murder trial as lead counsel.
Criminal Justice Online : The focus of this blog is to provide criminal justice practitioners, students, and professors with online information and resources. Recent entries are on drugs, weapons, and disaster cases.
Patterico’s Pontifications : Get “harangues that just make sense”on this blog. In addition to regular entries, they also include a “frequently unasked questions”section. You can also read opinions on elections.
Joel Jacobsen : This is a blog about criminal law, violent crime, and the judiciary. Joel dedicates his efforts to making the liberal case for greater democratic control of the criminal justice system.
William Landay : This former district attorney is now a published novelist. In addition to law, he also writes about writing. Best of the blog include Dickens and baseball.
Crim Law : Both criminal law and popular culture is discussed here. Get both sentencing cases and movie reviews on one spot. There are also resources for residents of Virginia.
Cybercrime : Get a behind the scenes look on how computer crimes and intellectual property is maintained here. The blog is run by the U.S. Department of Justice. Hot picks include how to report a crime and economic espionage.
Texas District and Court Attorneys Association : Stop here to get the message boards of actual criminal prosecutors here. The TDCAA has loads of entries from attorneys, their staff, and clients. Stop by to read or add your own.
Seeking Justice : This blogger regularly includes Bible quotes with entries. Entries date all the way back to 2005, so be sure to set aside some time. A recent entry was on a man who can’t stop killing, even in prison.
Women in Crime Ink : Women authors and criminal justice professionals come here to blog. A range of women blog on everything from television crime shows to actual cases. Choose by most recent or your favorite blogger.

Top Criminal Defense Blogs by a Teacher

Crim Prof Blog : Kevin Cole is a dean and professor of law at the University of San Diego School of Law. Along with others, they blog on many aspects of criminal defense and beyond. Topics include everything from civil rights to taser use.
Sentencing Law and Policy : Douglas Berman is the professor of law at Ohio State University. The blog specializes in what happens after a guilty verdict is rendered. The author also has other blogs to choose from.
The Volokh Conspiracy : A group of lawyers gather to discuss all aspects of law, including criminal defense. In addition to the entries, there are links to academic writings, sources, and even poems. You can also click on many of the sections such as a Twitter feed and linking.
The Faculty Blog : Visit here for the official professor’s blog of the University of Chicago Law School. A bonus is that students occasionally stop by to add a blog entry of their own. There are also links to publications, projects, and more.
Public Criminology : Get criminal defense from a sociological view here. Three bloggers write about drugs, prison, violence, and more here. They also have links to related research.
White Collar Crime Prof : Because criminal defense happens in white collar areas, visit here. Crime includes fraud, pyramid schemes, and much more.
Legal History Blog : Learn criminal defense history by stopping here. Four bloggers take on everything from the historic to the modern. A recent entry was on border law back in the 1800′s.
Liberty and Justice for Y’all : If you haven’t guessed by the title, this blog is devoted to the recent developments and scholarly discussion of Texas criminal law and procedure. A recent entry was on the Crime Stoppers Privilege. They also have loads of useful links if you live in the state.

Top Specialty Criminal Defense Blogs

Crime Victims Media Report : If on the other end of a crime, this is the blog for you. It details the happenings of recent crimes and has useful links for victims. You can also find police and advocacy blogs here.
How Appealing : Learn more about the appeals process by clicking here. Howard Bashman devotes the blog to everything involving the appeals process. Entries often link to items of interest.
Drug and Device Law : A common area of criminal defense is drugs and illegal or related devices. The blog contains Jim Beck’s personal views, as well as those of other attorneys in the Dechert area. A recent entry was on causation where a multi-drug regimen is involved.
California Correctional Crisis : If you have ever been, or are in danger of being, an inmate in California, check out this blog. It contains news, updates, and opinion on sentencing and corrections in California. A recent entry was on the limits of accountability.
Prison Law Blog : The blog is maintained and written by Sara Mayeux, a joint JD-American History PhD candidate at Stanford University. She focuses on the history of criminal law, procedure, and punishment. She also links to news items and legal decisions regarding criminal defense.
Wrongful Convictions : See where criminal law went wrong in this blog. It follows wrongful convictions in the U.S. justice system. Hundreds of entries date back to 2007.
Sex Crimes : Stop here for a blog devoted to the criminal laws regulating and punishing sexual violence. Corey Rayburn Yung is an assistant professor of law at the John Marshall Law School. He also includes pages on landmark sexual crime cases.
Changing Lives, Changing Minds : This blog is a part of the efforts of the individuals behind the program Changing Lives Through Literature (an alternative sentencing program founded in 1991). Their goal is to provide an alternative to incarceration through literature. Many entries are on how books helped inmates survive prison.

Although there is loads of useful information on the above top 50 criminal defense blogs, use caution. A blog should never be substituted for the official legal counsel of a face-to-face lawyer.