Letters: Position of ABA misrepresented

A June 18 story in The Advocate Thetitled “Death penalty cases face delays,” quoted Pete Adams, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, making a factually incorrect statement about the American Bar Association.

Adams said that the ABA “is opposed to capital punishment.” In fact, the ABA has never taken a position on the death penalty itself. ABA has published both defense and prosecution guidelines that are intended to ensure fairness in all capital cases. The association’s policies, studies and the work of its nearly 400,000 members are directed at providing the necessary resources and expertise to judges, prosecutors and defense counsel so that our criminal justice system works with accuracy and justice for all.

Wm. T. “Bill” Robinson III, president

American Bar Association

Washington, D.C.

Comments

1) Comment by Straight Shooter - 25/06/2012

Yes, public defenders farm out cases to other members of the public defender system who specialize in death penalty cases. Lose by speedy trial requirements? The right to a speedy trial is granted to the defendant. I don't know of any public defender who would move for a speed trial if they are overloaded. Doesn't make sense. Regardless, I still haven't figured out how someone could jump to the conclusion that lawyers are making a fortune either defending or prosecuting murderers.

2) Comment by tradewinns - 25/06/2012

public defenders' offices commonly hand out cases they feel exceed their (usually true) limited exposure or experience. they also farm out cases when they become overloaded so as not to lose by "speedy trial" requirements. public defenders are certainly NOT overpaid, but to compensate them for that, they are overworked!

3) Comment by Straight Shooter - 25/06/2012

@tradewinns You do realize that prosecutors receive the same low salary (comparative to the private market) no matter how many murder trials they try? You do realize that most murder trials are defended by public defenders who are also paid a low hourly rate? I'm not sure how you can justify a blanket statement that the ABA's position is making lawyers a fortune, other than the few criminal defense attorneys who are not representing indigent defendants.

4) Comment by tradewinns - 25/06/2012

of course the ABA isn't against the death penalty. they (lawyers) make a fortune either defending or prosecuting murderers.