Unfortunately, not everything in the criminal justice system goes according to plan or script. What about the Alfonso Jarman trial? We thoroughly believe Jarmon is guilty of cold-blooded murder and should spend the rest of his life behind bars. Yet, did he receive a fair trial?
That we can't answer. We can't answer yes or no to the question of the jury simply tossing aside the closing remarks of the prosecution merely because the defense was not able to complete its remarks.
Yes, the trial cost money and the citizens of Lauderdale County lost money and time with the semi-aborted trial. Nevertheless, it doesn't take a swami to predict Jarmon will at some point receive a new trial. We predict that he will then be found guilty again, with the taxpayers and the victim's family being the losers in the case.
That is assuming Jarmon's next court-appointed attorney cares as much about clients as Jean Darby did...
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Now, a quick look at recusals: Here's a survey floating about FB. We've checked and submitted our response, but such surveys and similar petitions rarely count for much.
In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about murder. In a semi-perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about avoiding the appearance of evil. Does anyone out there think this world is even 10% perfect when it comes to the justice system?
Yes, we firmly believe Chris Martin deserves a new trial. Will he get one because of this perceived issue with Hatcher? No.
Think how many Facebook friends you have; do you know them all or are some friends of friends that you simply accepted? Look at the FB pages of elected officials; how many of their "friends" do you think they know personally? Think they accepted some as an easy route to a vote? As cheap advertising?
For all we know, Jackie Hatcher could be bosom beaux with the Grant Campbell family or she could be a waiving acquaintance or she could be someone who simply accepted a friend request from Grant Campbell's aunt years ago without thinking twice about it.
Colbert is a small county. Try playing "Seven Degrees of Insert Your Name Here" and see if you can find someone you're not connected to in some manner. That being said, we have seen some interesting recusals and would love to know the basis behind some of them...
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For those who aren't fans of Hammer films, please feel free to skip this: