tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10281891.post1402661845647028947..comments2023-12-05T04:51:37.261-08:00Comments on Trial Ad (and other) Notes: Judy Clarke: Loughner's Lawyer Defended the Unabomber - TIMEMary Whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06780343632178750011noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10281891.post-37414747845349604582011-01-16T16:48:32.579-08:002011-01-16T16:48:32.579-08:00Ms. Clarke was actually discussed in another class...Ms. Clarke was actually discussed in another class of mine, Advanced Criminal Procedure, when we were discussing the different ways that states organize and provide for their indigent defense counsel system. I find it interesting that for high-profile cases such as this, appointed defense counsel comes from out-of-state like Ms. Clarke often does. It seems her primary motivation, as mentioned in the NY Times article, is her stance on the death penalty.<br /><br />What I found most striking was the aftermath of the Susan Smith case (the woman who drowned her children in the mid-90s). After Ms. Clarke successfully prevented Ms. Smith from receiving the death penalty, the South Carolina Legislature passed a law banning out of state public defenders from appointment in future capital cases. One has to wonder if public reaction would be similar in Arizona if she is able to assist Mr. Loughner in avoiding the death penalty (if he is found guilty), and whether such representation is actually harming Ms. Clarke's opposition to the death penalty.R.A.M.noreply@blogger.com