Los Angeles Makes Eliminating the DNA Backlog a Priority: Los Angeles Times writer Joel Rubin reports that according to police figures the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has cut its backlog of untested DNA from rapes and sexual assault cases in half. In 2008, the LAPD had a backlog of nearly 7,500 untested kits collected from rape and sexual assaults. That number has fallen to 3,157 because of the formation of a task force of police and outside experts that oversee the effort. According to LAPD Chief William J. Bratton and Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, if the current pace of testing is kept, the backlog will by gone by the summer of 2011. The 2011 date can only be reached if city officials continue to commit funds. This task could prove difficult with LA's $400 million budget shortfall. So far the DNA backlogs that have been tested matched the profiles of 405 men in the state's databases.
Supreme Court to Decide What is Cruel and Unusual Punishment for Minors: Wall Street Journal writer Jess Bravin reports that on Nov. 9th the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether sentencing a minor to life in prison is cruel and unusual punishment. Two cases dealing with the Eighth Amendment issue will be argued on the same day. One case involves Joe Sullivan's sentence to life in prison, for breaking into a Pensacola, FL home, stealing jewelry and coins, and raping the 72-year-old woman who lived there. Sullivan had 17 prior offenses before being sentenced for the Pensacola crime. More on Sullivan v. Florida found here. The second case involves the armed burglary of a Jackson, FL barbecue restaurant with masks, and Graham bludgeoned the restaurant manger with a steel bar. More on Graham v. Florida found here. The Court is hearing the two cases separately, suggesting that it could distinguish the two cases based on their ages. The Court is expected to rule before July. CJLF's brief is here.
Sotomayor Proves She Is Not Shy: Los Angeles Times writer David G. Savage reports on Justice Sonia Sotomayor's first day on the Supreme Court. Justices of the past have chosen to slowly ease there way into the Court arguments by listening a few days before joining in. However, Justice Sotomayor jumped right into the arguments. Within the first hour she had asked 36 questions, keeping up with Justices Scalia and Ginsburg. Her first day as a Supreme Court Justice, Sotomayor has maintained her image as a strong assertive judge.
Supreme Court to Decide What is Cruel and Unusual Punishment for Minors: Wall Street Journal writer Jess Bravin reports that on Nov. 9th the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether sentencing a minor to life in prison is cruel and unusual punishment. Two cases dealing with the Eighth Amendment issue will be argued on the same day. One case involves Joe Sullivan's sentence to life in prison, for breaking into a Pensacola, FL home, stealing jewelry and coins, and raping the 72-year-old woman who lived there. Sullivan had 17 prior offenses before being sentenced for the Pensacola crime. More on Sullivan v. Florida found here. The second case involves the armed burglary of a Jackson, FL barbecue restaurant with masks, and Graham bludgeoned the restaurant manger with a steel bar. More on Graham v. Florida found here. The Court is hearing the two cases separately, suggesting that it could distinguish the two cases based on their ages. The Court is expected to rule before July. CJLF's brief is here.
Sotomayor Proves She Is Not Shy: Los Angeles Times writer David G. Savage reports on Justice Sonia Sotomayor's first day on the Supreme Court. Justices of the past have chosen to slowly ease there way into the Court arguments by listening a few days before joining in. However, Justice Sotomayor jumped right into the arguments. Within the first hour she had asked 36 questions, keeping up with Justices Scalia and Ginsburg. Her first day as a Supreme Court Justice, Sotomayor has maintained her image as a strong assertive judge.
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